Planting Spring Bulbs: Depths, Timing, and Combinations

Owen Petrakis · Oct 22, 2026 · 4 min read

Quick answer

A little autumn planting gives you months of colour from late winter to early summer. Getting the depth right matters most.

Spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and alliums are planted in autumn so they can develop roots and experience the cold they need to flower.

They are among the easiest plants to grow, and a well-planned combination can provide a long succession of flowers.

When to plant How deep Soil and position Planting for succession After flowering

1 When to plant

✓Daffodils, crocuses, and most small bulbs: early to mid-autumn
✓Tulips: later in autumn, once the soil has cooled, which helps reduce disease
✓Alliums: early autumn

2 How deep

A widely used rule is to plant bulbs at about two to three times their own height, pointed end up. Planting too shallow is the most common reason bulbs fail to flower in later years.

3 Soil and position

Bulbs rot in waterlogged ground. Choose a well-drained spot in sun or light shade, and add grit to heavy clay soil.

4 Planting for succession

Layering bulbs in a deep pot, sometimes called a bulb lasagne, puts the latest-flowering, largest bulbs at the bottom and the earliest at the top.

✓Snowdrops and crocuses flower first
✓Daffodils follow in early to mid-spring
✓Tulips flower mid to late spring
✓Alliums bridge the gap into early summer

5 After flowering

Remove faded flower heads but leave the leaves for at least six weeks so the bulb can store energy for next year.

This is general gardening information. Results depend on your climate, soil, and conditions. Follow label directions for any fertiliser or treatment, and check whether plants are toxic to pets or children before bringing them home.

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