Success with spring bulbs
It’s time to start thinking ahead to spring, so embrace the opportunity to add new colour and create eye-catching displays with spring bulbs. Planting in autumn gives the best chance for your bulbs to succeed and provides you with the pick of the best quality stock.
Start planning your bulbs now.
As the pick-your-own bulb season begins at Holden Clough and autumn draws near, it's the perfect time to start planning for next spring. Reflect on this past spring and consider what you might have missed, what do you wish you’d planted more of? Do your pots need revitalising, or would you like to add some drama to your flower beds with a drift of statuesque alliums?
Why plant in autumn?
With warm soil temperatures, longer daylight hours, and a fresh memory of your perennial plants, autumn is the ideal season for planting spring bulbs. Get ready for the excitement of seeing these bulbs burst forth in the early months of the year, they’ll be here before you know it!
Choosing the right bulbs.
When it comes to bulbs, quality matters. At Holden Clough, we offer only grade A bulbs in top sizes. These bulbs are primed for success, ensuring beautiful blooms in your garden, so do check before you buy.
We also select varieties that thrive in a north of England climate, taking into consideration our clay soils. For example, among the vast array of alliums available, we focus on four varieties that are guaranteed to flourish in our conditions.
Fragrant white narcissus varieties are always a favourite at Holden Clough and are wonderful when planted in generous drifts. Consider combining dwarf varieties with the lovely blue of Muscaris for a delightful display.
Tulips have specific preferences, but generally thrive in well-drained pots or borders.
Spring bulb tips.
Feed your bulbs after flowering, using a product like Vitax Q4 or a liquid feed such as tomato food, to enhance their growth for the following year.
Plant in multiples for greater impact. Repeating the same colour along a bed can be really effective.
When planting bulbs for a naturalised look, such as snowdrops, scatter them on the ground and plant where they land.
If you plan to force scented Narcissus or Hyacinths for Christmas, try planting outside in the garden after flowering, and with a feed they will be likely to come back the following year.
Still got questions?
We’re always happy to help. If you would like advice on choosing bulbs for your garden, contact us or pop into the nursery for a chat with one of our experts.
