How to garden with bulbs

18 November 2024

Planting bulbs is a wonderful way to add vibrant seasonal colours to your garden, and bulbs are versatile enough to suit almost any garden space, from small balconies to sprawling lawns. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting, planting, and caring for bulbs in Australia. Let’s dive in!

Popular Bulb Varieties

Bulbs offer a wide array of options to suit any gardener’s aesthetic and practical needs. Here are some popular varieties commonly grown in Australia:

Daffodils: Known for their sunny yellow hues, daffodils are iconic spring bloomers that require minimal care and thrive in full sun to partial shade.
Tulips: These classic, elegant flowers bloom in a range of colours and add a touch of sophistication to any garden.
Gladiolus: Tall and majestic, gladiolus flowers come in vibrant colours and are perfect for creating eye-catching summer displays.
Ranunculus: Known for their layered, rose-like petals, ranunculus flowers bloom in vibrant reds, pinks, yellows, and oranges. They are ideal for cut flower arrangements.
Garlic Bulbs: Garlic not only adds flavour to your meals but is also beneficial for pest control in the garden. Plant in cooler months for a late spring harvest.
Onion Bulbs: Easy to grow and highly rewarding, onions are best planted in well-drained soil in a sunny spot and can be harvested in late summer.

Each bulb has specific needs, so ensure you select varieties that will thrive in your climate and meet your garden’s light and soil requirements. Explore our wide selection of bulbs to find the perfect varieties for your garden in the Bulbs & Seeds section.

Choosing the Right Bulbs for Your Garden

Selecting the best bulbs for your garden depends on various factors, including climate, soil type, sunlight exposure, and garden layout. Factors to consider:

Climate Compatibility: Different bulbs are suited to different climates. In general:

Cooler Climates: Bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses are well-suited for cooler, frost-prone areas.
Warmer Climates: Gladiolus and ranunculus thrive in warmer zones and bloom beautifully in full sun.
Mild, Temperate Zones: Many bulbs, including garlic and onions, do well in temperate climates. These areas support a variety of flowering and edible bulbs.

Soil Type: Most bulbs thrive in well-drained soil, so assess your garden soil before planting. Clay-heavy soils may require amendment with organic matter, such as compost or sand, to improve drainage.
Sunlight Needs: Some bulbs prefer full sun, while others thrive in shaded areas. Ensure you know each bulb’s sunlight requirements to find the best spot for planting.
Garden Layout: Consider your garden’s overall design. For example, daffodils and tulips look beautiful in clusters, while gladiolus work well as tall, striking backdrops or along fence lines.

Not sure where to start? Check out our Bulbs & Seeds collection to find bulbs ideal for your climate and garden. For more help, check out our articles on garden maintenance.

When to Plant Bulbs in Australia

The timing of bulb planting is crucial to ensure they bloom at the right time. Here’s a general guide for when to plant different types of bulbs across Australia:

Spring-Flowering Bulbs (e.g., daffodils, tulips): Plant in the autumn months (March to May) to allow bulbs to establish roots before winter. The cooler winter temperatures encourage proper development, resulting in a vibrant spring bloom.
Summer-Flowering Bulbs (e.g., gladiolus, ranunculus): Plant in late winter to early spring (August to September) to take advantage of the warming soil, which helps trigger growth for a mid-summer display.
Winter-Growing Bulbs (e.g., garlic, onion): Plant in late autumn to early winter (May to July) for a harvest in late spring or summer. These bulbs need a cooler growing period and will be ready as the weather warms up.

Adjust these timings slightly depending on your local climate, but generally, adhering to these seasonal planting times will give your bulbs the best chance for success. Find seasonally appropriate bulbs and get ready for planting with options available in our Bulbs & Seeds section.

How to Plant Bulbs: Step-by-Step Guide

Planting bulbs is straightforward, but proper technique can make a difference in the quality and longevity of the blooms. Follow these steps for successful planting:

Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil in the planting area with a garden fork and mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
Dig the Hole: For most bulbs, the hole should be about three times as deep as the bulb’s height. For example, if a bulb is 5 cm tall, dig a hole 15 cm deep. This depth rule helps bulbs stay protected from temperature fluctuations and encourages strong root growth.
Position the Bulb: Place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up. In the case of garlic and onion bulbs, position them so that the tip is just beneath the soil surface.
Backfill and Water: Cover the bulb with soil, pressing down gently to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly to help the soil settle around the bulb and encourage initial root growth.
Mulch (Optional): Applying a layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds, especially in warmer or drier areas.

For a variety of quality bulbs to start your planting project, visit our Bulbs & Seeds section and choose the best options for your garden.

Planting Tips for Specific Bulbs

Each type of bulb has its own unique requirements for planting depth, spacing, soil preparation, and seasonal timing. By following these specific planting tips, you can optimise the health and bloom quality of your chosen varieties.

Ranunculus Bulbs

Soak Before Planting: Ranunculus corms are often very dry when purchased, so it helps to soak them in water for a few hours before planting. This pre-hydration encourages faster sprouting.
Depth & Spacing: Plant about 5 cm deep and space each bulb about 10-15 cm apart.
Positioning: Ensure the “claw” end of the corm (where the small roots are) faces downward.
Ideal Conditions: Plant in full sun with well-draining soil. Ranunculus thrives in cool spring weather, making them perfect for temperate regions.

Daffodil Bulbs

Plant in Clusters: For a natural, meadow-like display, plant daffodils in clusters of five or more. This will create a beautiful effect in your garden.
Depth & Spacing: Plant at a depth of about 15 cm (three times the height of the bulb) and 10-15 cm apart.
Positioning: Point the bulb's “nose” or pointed tip upwards.
Ideal Conditions: Daffodils are hardy and adaptable but perform best in full sun to partial shade. They are also resistant to pests like rodents.

Tulip Bulbs

Chill in Warm Climates: If you live in a warmer climate, consider chilling tulip bulbs in the refrigerator for about 6-8 weeks before planting to mimic their winter dormancy period.
Depth & Spacing: Plant about 10-15 cm deep and 10-12 cm apart.
Positioning: Place the pointed end up in well-draining soil.
Ideal Conditions: Tulips prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They may not naturalise (return each year) in warmer regions but can be replanted annually for vibrant spring colour.

Gladiolus Bulbs

Plant Successively: To extend your blooming season, plant gladiolus bulbs (corms) every two weeks in early spring. This will stagger their blooming time.
Depth & Spacing: Plant about 10 cm deep and space them 10-15 cm apart.
Positioning: Place the bulb with the pointed side up.
Ideal Conditions: Gladiolus prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil. They grow tall, so it’s best to plant them along a fence or use staking to support them.

Crocus Bulbs

Naturalising in Lawns: Crocuses are great for naturalising in lawns. Scatter bulbs randomly and plant where they fall for a natural look.
Depth & Spacing: Plant about 8 cm deep and 5-10 cm apart.
Positioning: Point the “nose” of the bulb up.
Ideal Conditions: Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-draining soil. Crocuses are among the earliest spring bloomers, bringing colour when few other plants are flowering.

Garlic Bulbs

Separate the Cloves: When planting garlic, break the bulb into individual cloves, keeping the papery husk intact on each clove.
Depth & Spacing: Plant cloves about 5 cm deep and 10 cm apart.
Positioning: Place the clove with the pointed tip up.
Ideal Conditions: Garlic needs full sun and well-drained soil. It benefits from cooler growing periods, so plant in autumn for best results in temperate regions.

Onion Bulbs

Loose, Well-Drained Soil: Onions thrive in loose, well-drained soil with high organic content.
Depth & Spacing: Plant bulbs shallowly, just below the soil surface, with the top barely covered, and space them about 10 cm apart.
Positioning: Place with the pointed end up.
Ideal Conditions: Onions grow best in full sun with regular watering, especially during dry spells. They require a long growing season, so plant in early winter to spring.

Allium Bulbs

Choose a Bold Spot: Alliums are tall and bold with striking globe-shaped blooms that look stunning in borders.
Depth & Spacing: Plant at a depth of 15 cm and space 10-20 cm apart, depending on the variety.
Positioning: Point the rounded end down and the pointed end up.
Ideal Conditions: Alliums thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. They’re also deer and rabbit resistant, making them ideal for wildlife-prone gardens.

Freesia Bulbs

Soak for Faster Growth: Similar to ranunculus, freesia bulbs can be soaked for a few hours before planting to encourage rapid sprouting.
Depth & Spacing: Plant about 5-7 cm deep and space about 10 cm apart.
Positioning: Place with the pointed end up.
Ideal Conditions: Freesias enjoy full sun or partial shade and do best in well-drained, sandy soil. Their fragrant blooms are perfect for borders or containers.

Hyacinth Bulbs

Chill for Warmer Regions: If you're in a warmer area, consider chilling hyacinth bulbs in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks before planting.
Depth & Spacing: Plant 10 cm deep and space about 10 cm apart.
Positioning: Place with the pointed end facing up.
Ideal Conditions: Hyacinths prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Their sweet scent makes them a lovely choice for pots near windows or entryways.

Snowdrop Bulbs

Plant in Clusters: Snowdrops look best planted in small clusters to create a naturalised effect.
Depth & Spacing: Plant about 5 cm deep and 5 cm apart.
Positioning: Point the narrow end up.
Ideal Conditions: Snowdrops prefer partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. They are among the earliest bloomers in winter, perfect for adding life to shaded spots.

Each of these planting tips can help you make the most of your bulbs, ensuring a stunning display of flowers and foliage. For more planting advice, visit our DIY gardening section. Happy gardening!

Caring for Bulbs

Although bulbs are generally low-maintenance, some basic care can ensure healthy growth and beautiful blooms.

Watering: Water bulbs immediately after planting to help settle the soil around them. Once established, water regularly but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering, especially for bulbs like daffodils and tulips, which can rot if overwatered.
Fertilising: In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser around the base of flowering bulbs. This encourages strong growth and helps the bulbs store nutrients for next year’s blooms.
Deadheading: Once blooms fade, remove spent flowers to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. This allows the bulb to store energy for the following season.
Dividing Bulbs: Bulbs like daffodils and tulips can form clusters over time. Every few years, dig up clumping bulbs after the foliage has died back, divide them, and replant to prevent overcrowding and encourage stronger blooms.

For year-round bulb care and maintenance tips, explore our garden maintenance guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant bulbs in pots?

Yes, many bulbs thrive in pots. Make sure your pot has drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix to prevent waterlogging. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are particularly well-suited to container gardening.

How deep should I plant my bulbs?

The general rule is to plant bulbs about three times their height deep. This ensures they’re adequately protected from temperature fluctuations and soil erosion.

What happens if I plant bulbs too shallow or too deep?

Planting too shallowly can expose bulbs to temperature extremes and damage from animals, while planting too deeply can delay blooming. Stick to the recommended depth for each variety.

Do I need to water the bulbs after planting?

Yes, it’s essential to water them thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and promote root development. Once established, most bulbs need moderate watering, especially during dry spells.

How do I protect bulbs from pests?

Using organic pest controls like barriers, natural repellents, and planting pest-resistant bulbs (like daffodils) can help prevent pest issues. Garlic is also a natural pest deterrent for certain insects.

How do I store bulbs over winter?

Store bulbs in a cool, dry place, ideally wrapped in newspaper or stored in mesh bags for airflow. Some bulbs, like tulips and daffodils, may need to go through a chilling period before replanting.

What bulbs can I grow in shady areas?

Shade-tolerant bulbs include bluebells, snowdrops, and lily-of-the-valley, all of which add charm to low-light spots in your garden.

For more detailed guides, visit our DIY gardening section or planting and growing articles.

With proper care and the right selection, bulbs can bring vibrant colour and beauty to your garden year after year. Planting bulbs is a low-maintenance and highly rewarding activity that lets you enjoy a stunning array of flowers, whether in garden beds, borders, or pots. Happy gardening!