September is the perfect time to get ahead and plant spring-flowering bulbs, ensuring your garden will burst into colour after the long winter months.
While much of the garden begins to wind down in September, it’ actually a time of new beginnings beneath the soil. And it’s a time to think about planting bulbs that will lie dormant through the cold months, then burst into life when spring arrives! On those grey February days, when the garden feels bare and winter seems never-ending, the first crocuses will push through the soil, bringing a jolt of colour and cheer.
By March and April, daffodils will appear, followed by fragrant hyacinths and colourful tulips in May. All the beauty can begin now, so get busy! There’s something lovely about planting bulbs – tucking them into the soil, knowing that in just a few months they’ll reward you with a display of colour that feels all the more special after a long winter.
So, which bulbs should you be planting this month to get the very best show next spring? Here are a few recommendations:
Daffodils (Narcissus)
Daffodils are one of the most reliable and cheerful signs of spring. September is the best time to plant them, giving bulbs plenty of time to establish before winter. From classic yellow trumpets to creamy whites and delicate multi-flowered varieties, daffodils thrive in borders, lawns, and pots.
Tip: Plant at least twice the bulb’s depth and in groups for a natural look.
Crocuses
Crocuses are among the earliest bulbs to flower, often appearing as early as February. Their jewel-like shades of purple, yellow, and white bring brightness to borders, rockeries, and grassy areas. Plant them in large clusters for a bold splash of colour.
Tip: They prefer sunny spots and free-draining soil.
Tulips (for later in the season)
While September is ideal for daffodils and crocuses, it’s worth planning ahead for tulips. Tulip bulbs are best planted in October or November, once the soil is cooler, to reduce the risk of disease. But you’ll find them arriving in store in September, so it’s a good time to pick your favourites.
Hyacinths
Known for their incredible fragrance and rich colours, hyacinths are perfect for containers, where you can enjoy their scent up close. Plant them in September for a strong display in spring. Indoor “prepared” hyacinths can also be potted now for Christmas flowering.
Snowdrops (Galanthus)
These delicate white blooms are a true delight in late winter and early spring. Plant snowdrop bulbs (or better still, “in the green” plants in spring) in September for a natural woodland feel under trees and shrubs.
Alliums
For striking architectural interest, plant alliums in September. Their tall stems topped with globe-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, adding drama to borders and pairing beautifully with perennials.
Hildreth’s planting tips!
- Depth matters: Plant bulbs at about two to three times their height.
- Choose well-draining soil: Bulbs dislike sitting in waterlogged soil over winter.
- Plant in groups: Clumps and drifts look far more natural than straight lines.
- Label your bulbs: It’s easy to forget what’s gone where once autumn sets in!
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