Lexi Webster
Bulbs are easy to grow and will reward you with a spectacular show of spring colour. The best time to plant spring-flowering bulbs in Australia is in mid to late autumn, after autumn rains when the soil is still warm and planting is easier. You can plant up to mid-May in QLD and coastal NSW. Bulbs need to be planted in free-draining soil to avoid rotting, and they prefer a sunny spot in the garden, though some varieties will tolerate light shade.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to plant | Mid to late autumn |
| Soil type | Free-draining, cool, moist but not wet, slightly acidic |
| Sunlight | Full sun to light shade |
| Planting depth | Twice the width of the bulb |
| Spacing | Twice the bulb's width apart |
| Orientation | Pointy end up (growing tip); anemones and ranunculus are exceptions and should be planted point down |
| Fertiliser | Liquid fertiliser every two weeks; specialised bulb food |
| Watering | Start when green shoots appear and stop when foliage yellows |
| Mulch | 25mm layer of organic mulch |
| Storing | Dry spot, away from fruit |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right soil and preparing the garden bed
When choosing the right soil for your bulbs, it is important to remember that they need to be planted in free-draining soil as they will rot if they are constantly moist. Well-drained soil is a must, and you can add a good quality bulb-growing mix to improve drainage. The soil should be slightly acidic, so dig in some organic fertiliser before planting. You can also add a couple of shovelfuls of aged cow or chook manure or compost per square metre.
The best time to plant spring-flowering bulbs is in mid to late autumn, after the autumn rains when the soil is still warm and the rain makes it soft enough to make planting easier. In warmer areas, you can plant in May when the weather and soil have cooled down.
Before planting, prepare your garden bed by digging in plenty of compost and removing weeds. Mark the spot where you've planted your bulbs with a sign or stone, so you don't accidentally dig them up when the plants die down. You can also mulch your beds to reduce weed growth.
When planting, ensure that the bulbs are covered with a thin layer of compost and that they are planted at the right depth. A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth equal to twice their width. Bulbs planted too deeply will run out of energy before they reach the surface, while those planted too shallowly may be uprooted by birds.
After planting, water your bulbs well and then water regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. You can also spread a layer of organic mulch to keep your bulbs cool.
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When and how to plant bulbs
In Australia, the best time to plant spring-flowering bulbs is in mid-to-late autumn when the soil is still warm and soft from the autumn rains. In March and April, the soil is ideal for planting spring-flowering bulbs, and you can plant up to mid-May in Queensland and coastal New South Wales. If you're planting tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths, aim for temperatures in the mid-teens.
When the weather starts to cool in southern Australia, it's a signal to start planting spring-flowering bulbs. Choose a spot in your garden that receives sunlight for at least part of the day. Spring bulbs thrive when planted under deciduous trees, as they get winter sunlight and are shaded from the summer heat. Most bulbs grow best in full sun to light shade, and they need well-drained soil to flourish. Add grit or gravel to your planting holes if your soil is heavy, or consider planting in containers.
To plant bulbs, prepare the soil by turning it over and incorporating organic compost and a dressing of blood and bone. The soil should be slightly acidic, so dig in some organic fertiliser before planting. Plant bulbs at a depth equal to twice their width; a handy rule of thumb is to sprinkle a little fertiliser over the bulbs and then cover them with a thin layer of soil. Space bulbs at least twice the bulb's width apart, and always plant them with the pointy end up (the growing tip). However, anemones and ranunculi should be planted point down, as their point is the root.
After planting, water your bulbs well and then regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. Apply liquid fertiliser every two weeks as the foliage appears. Once the flowering season ends and the foliage dies back, empty the pots and store the bulbs in a dry, dark place for replanting the following year.
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How to care for bulbs after planting
After planting your bulbs, it's important to keep them cool by putting pots in the shade until they start to grow. If you're planting in a garden, choose a spot that gets sun for at least part of the day. Bulbs generally prefer sunny spots, but some varieties will tolerate light shade, especially in warmer regions. If you're planting in a pot, ensure it has good drainage holes and use a free-draining potting mix to prevent bulbs from rotting.
Water your bulbs well immediately after planting, then regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. You can spread a 25mm layer of organic mulch to keep the bulbs cool and prevent the soil from drying out. If you're experiencing dry weather, water your bulbs periodically to keep the mix moist.
As foliage starts to pop through the soil, apply liquid fertiliser every two weeks. Once the flower buds start to appear, continue applying liquid fertiliser every two weeks. After flowering, feed the bulbs with a controlled-release fertiliser or a specialised bulb food. This is when the bulb is taking in nutrients for next year's flowers.
After the flowering season, when the foliage has died back, empty out the pot and store the bulbs in a dark and dry place for replanting the following year. If you experience high summer rainfall, dig up the bulbs and store them in a dry spot.
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How to care for bulbs during the post-flowering phase
The post-flowering phase is an important time for bulb care. After blooming finishes, bulbs will take in energy for next year's flowers via their leaves. This is a good time to feed the plants. By the time the leaves have died off, the bulbs will have sufficient nutrients to go dormant. Many bulbs are happiest left to their own devices during this phase.
However, dormant bulbs can sometimes rot, especially if the climate is warmer or wetter than their natural habitat. Australian summers can be a particular problem in this regard. This is because most spring bulbs favour dry conditions during dormancy, and they may not have ideal conditions if they share a bed with other perennials that require irrigation throughout the summer. If you experience high summer rainfall, dig the bulbs up and store them in a dry spot.
To prevent rot, ensure bulbs are planted in free-draining soil. Whether planting in the ground or in a pot, a good quality bulb-growing mix added to the soil will improve drainage. You can also dig in a couple of shovelfuls of aged cow or chook manure or compost per square metre.
If you are treating your spring bulbs as annuals, you should dig them up after they finish blooming. Use a garden fork to gently lift the bulbs out of the ground and then put them in your compost pile. Removing the bulbs and foliage will help minimise problems with fusarium, a common fungal disease that can affect flower bulbs.
For bulbs that you want to rebloom, it's important to leave the foliage in place until it has withered and turned yellow. Bulbs use their foliage to produce the energy they need to form new flowers.
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Bulb varieties and their specific requirements
Bulbs are easy to grow and will often multiply year after year with minimal care. Most bulbs prefer a sunny spot in the garden and free-draining soil, as they will rot if they are constantly moist. They also need plenty of sun to grow and flower, though most are quite happy with filtered shade in the afternoon.
When it comes to specific requirements, some bulbs need a cold spell to trigger flowering. For example, tulips, crocus, and hyacinths can be placed in the fridge for 4-6 weeks before planting out. Daffodils, freesias, soldier boys (Lachenalia), narcissus, hyacinths, and Dutch iris can be planted when the soil has cooled down. Anemones and ranunculi should be planted with their claws facing downwards. Tulips, daffodils, and other larger bulbs should be planted at the deepest level and covered with a thin layer of compost. Medium-sized bulbs go at the middle level, and small bulbs like crocus, babiana, and anemone at the shallowest level.
For bulbs that are planted in pots, terracotta is best as its porous nature allows excess moisture to escape. Ensure they have good drainage holes and use a good-quality, free-draining potting mix. Keep the pots in the shade until the bulbs start to grow, then bring them into the sun.
After planting, water the bulbs well and then regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. Apply liquid fertiliser every two weeks once foliage pops up through the soil. After flowering, feed bulbs with a controlled-release fertiliser.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to plant spring-flowering bulbs is in mid to late autumn, especially after the autumn rains when the soil is still warm and soft enough to make planting easier.
A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth equal to twice their width.
Bulbs need to be planted in free-draining soil as they will rot if they are constantly moist. Well-drained soil can be achieved by adding grit or gravel to your planting holes or planting bulbs in containers.
Water your bulbs regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. Water them more deeply when shoots appear.
