Why Plant Bulbs in September?
September is the ideal month to get a head start on your spring display. The soil is still warm, which encourages fast root growth, but cooler nights signal to bulbs that it’s time to settle in for winter. Planting now means they’ll be ready to burst into colour as soon as spring arrives.
Looking for other seasonal tasks? Don’t miss our Essential September Garden Jobs guide, or explore our full Monthly Garden Jobs hub.
Best Bulbs to Plant This Month
- Daffodils – reliable, cheerful yellow blooms.
- Tulips – plant later in autumn if possible, but early varieties can go in now.
- Crocus – low-growing carpets of colour, perfect for lawns and borders.
- Hyacinths – fragrant and bold, ideal for pots.
- Alliums – tall, architectural flower heads that follow on after tulips.
- For more bulb varieties and planting advice, see the RHS guide to bulbs
How to Plant Bulbs
- Depth: A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at three times their own depth.
- Spacing: Allow a couple of bulb widths between each bulb for best results.
- Soil Prep: Loosen the soil and mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and nutrition.
- Position: Most spring bulbs like full sun or light shade. Avoid waterlogged areas.
- Containers: Use fresh compost, and make sure pots have drainage holes.
Tip: if you’re refreshing borders this month, bulbs make the perfect finishing touch — see our Late Summer Garden Makeover Ideas for more inspiration.
Top Tips for Success
- Pointy end up: Always plant bulbs the right way round.
- Mix for impact: Combine early and late flowering bulbs for a longer display.
- Protect from pests: If squirrels are a problem, cover freshly planted areas with chicken wire until growth appears.
- Mark your planting: Use labels or photos to remind yourself where bulbs are — easy to forget once the soil is bare.
What Happens Next?
Once planted, bulbs need very little attention. Keep an eye on soil moisture in dry spells, but otherwise let nature do the rest. Come March and April, you’ll be rewarded with a carpet of colour that brightens up the garden after winter.
If you’re giving your lawn some TLC at the same time, our guide to Preparing Your Lawn for Autumn has you covered.
🔗 Related reading:
Late Summer Garden Makeover Ideas
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