Spring into action with British Garden Centres by planting your bulbs now!

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like the anticipation of spring’s vibrant blooms. Planting spring bulbs now is a simple yet rewarding way to bring a burst of colour to your garden and brighten your spirits. From cheerful daffodils to elegant tulips, and statuesque alliums to vibrant crocus, there’s a bulb to suit every taste and style. By planting bulbs now, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning display of flowers come springtime. So, grab your gardening gloves and follow British Garden Centres’ tips for a blooming success! (with our supplier Taylors Bulbs)

What bulbs to plant?

Alliums

Alliums are striking plants with spherical blooms that add drama to any garden. Available in various sizes and flowering times, there’s an Allium for every space. Allium Ostara is a compact choice for containers, offering late blooms that complement earlier bulbs. The classic Purple Sensation is a tall, vibrant variety loved by pollinators.

Tulips

Tulips boast a stunning array of colours, shapes, and heights. The petite Red Riding Hood is ideal for pots, while the classic Red Impression offers large blooms and impressive stature. For a unique look, consider the China Town tulip with its green flame petals.

Daffodils

Daffodils, or Narcissus, are cheerful spring staples. Beyond the classic yellow trumpet, there’s a wide variety to explore. Enjoy blooms for months by selecting different varieties. British Garden Centres have a 4 months of Daffodils collection with different varieties ready packaged in one bag with planting instructions so you can have a riot of Daffodils in your garden next spring.

Crocus

Crocus heralds spring with delicate blooms in various colours. These resilient flowers thrive in lawns. Simply plant bulbs under a patch of turf for a naturalised effect. Crocus Blue Ocean and Tommasinianus are popular choices.

How to plant

For optimal growth and blooms, bulbs should generally be planted at a depth twice their height. This typically means burying them around 10 centimetres deep in the soil. When planting in containers, limit the number of bulbs to 10 per container for the best results. Ensure the pointed end of the bulb faces upward before filling the container with bulb compost, leaving a 3-centimetre gap at the top. Firm the compost and water thoroughly.

Once shoots begin to emerge, feed with a plant food rich in potassium, such as tomato feed. For container planting, choose a pot or container that’s at least 30 centimetres in diameter. Fill it two-thirds of the way with a high-quality, moist bulb compost that includes added grit for drainage and to prevent bulb rot.

Aftercare

Once the flowering period has ended, wait for the leaves to yellow and die down naturally before removing as this will allow the energy to be restored in the bulbs for next year.

Why not try a bulb lasagne?

A popular way of planting bulbs in a container is a bulb lasagne, which means to layer the bulbs for successive planting, creating a stunning floral display that lasts throughout the spring.

Inspired by the Italian dish, this technique involves layering different bulbs in a container. Choose three types that complement each other in height and colour, and that bloom over several weeks. We recommend crocus, daffodils, and tulips.

To create a stunning bulb lasagne, start by selecting a large container to accommodate the layers. Fill the bottom with bulb compost and plant the largest bulbs, such as tulips, covering them with soil. Add the next layer of bulbs, like daffodils, and repeat the process. Plant the smallest bulbs, like crocus, on the top layer and cover them with compost. Water thoroughly and place the container in a sheltered area.

Remember to consider the height of each bulb variety for a visually appealing display, choose bulbs that bloom at different times for continuous colour, and ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. With a little effort, you can create a beautiful bulb lasagne that will brighten your outdoor space and bring joy all spring lon

Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres said: “Spring bulbs are a fantastic investment for your garden, offering a vibrant and colourful display when the warmer months arrive. By planting them now, you’ll give them ample time to establish themselves and bloom beautifully next year. At British Garden Centres, we have a wide selection of high-quality spring bulbs to suit every taste and garden style. Our expert staff can also provide valuable advice on planting techniques and bulb care. So, visit us today and discover everything you need to create a stunning spring garden. ”

British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 65 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by The Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.
BGC was launched in 1987 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018 it has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres allowing it to grow from its heartland to the business it is now with 65 garden centres spread from Carmarthen to Ramsgate, Wimborne to East Durham.

The group has a team of 2,700 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar.

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