October might seem like the time to wind down in the garden, but it’s actually the best time to plant spring bulbs!
By planting them now, you’ll get a colorful surprise when spring comes around. Since these bulbs need to chill out in the ground all winter before they bloom, October is the perfect time to plant them (as long as the soil isn’t frozen).
Pick a spot that drains well so your bulbs don’t rot. Most bulbs love the sun, but some do fine in shade. You can mix them with fall perennials or even plant them in containers (lasagna style).
Remember to plant bulbs about three times as deep as their height, pointy side up. And if you don’t know what spring bulbs to plant, keep reading this article to find the best kinds!
1. Grow Dwarf Irises For Bright, Colorful Blooms
One of my personal favorites for early blooms is the adorable dwarf iris.
These little ones appear in late winter or early spring, waking up in the garden when everything else still seems to be snoozing. They’re tough and can handle zones 3 through 9!
Oh, and they love pollinators! Bees and other friendly bugs will be thanking you for giving them an early-season feast.
Dwarf irises are not only pretty, but they come in a gorgeous variety of colors so you can combine them and create different color palettes!
2. Tulips Are A Must-Have In Every Spring Garden
Let’s face it, everybody loves tulips!
Perfect for zones 3 through 8, these beauties bloom from early to late spring in various different colors and petal styles. You get to mix vibrant shades together and create a real show stopping flower display in your garden.
I usually combine them with daffodils because they start blooming right after!
However, I’ve got to say that tulips do come with a few quirks. Critters love munching them, and thanks to all the hybridization, they don’t always return the next year.
My advice is to just think of them as annuals and you’ll avoid any disappointment!
Related: Are Your Spring Tulips Perennials Or Do You Have To Plant New Ones?
3. Fritillaria Blooms Feature Unique Checkered Patterns That Make Them Shine
If you want your garden to be filled with blooms during late spring and early summer, consider planting fritillaria (also known as snakehead or checkered lily).
Fritillaria is a special bulb that comes in various colors, but the purple variety with checkered patterns definitely stands out the most!
Fritillaria thrive in zones 3 through 8 and love growing in full or partial sun. They’re a delightful way to extend the color in your garden, so why not plant a few and enjoy the beautiful colors?
4. Crocuses Can Bloom Right Through The Snow
One of the first spring flowers to brighten up your garden is the charming crocus – they can even poke through the snow in northern climates (that’s how resilient they are).
Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8, crocuses can handle partial shade but really like to relax in full sun.
Their low growth makes crocuses ideal for planting throughout your lawn. Just imagine these cheerful flowers appearing out of nowhere in early spring, making your entire garden more lively!
Related: How To Plant And Harvest Saffron Crocus Like A Pro
5. Daffodils Will Bring Joy To Your Garden
Ahhh, lovely daffodils… they simply bring joy to our gardens!
They feature sunny yellow flowers that often bloom even while there’s still snow on the ground (just imagine how lovely they would look peeking through the white snow).
While yellow is the star color, you can also find daffodils in white, peach, pink, and even some gorgeous multicolored varieties. Hardy in zones 4 through 8, daffodils thrive in full sun, so be sure to plant them somewhere sunny!
If you have a garden full of wildlife, these blooms are your best friends. Daffodils are resistant to deer, squirrels, and chipmunks, so you can enjoy their quirky presence without worrying about these critters.
Related: 20 Stunning Plants That Will Make Your Daffodils Pop Like Never Before
6. Plant Hyacinths For A Sweetly Scented Garden
Hyacinths are another delightful sign that spring has arrived!
They are known for their small, fragrant flower clusters that fill your garden with a sweet scent. They bloom in spring, overlapping beautifully with daffodils and some tulips (imagine combining all of these plants!).
Since each bulb produces just one flower spike that doesn’t last long, I would recommend you to plant several bulbs together. Mixing them with other spring flowers creates a gorgeous layered look.
However, keep in mind that hyacinths aren’t deer-resistant, so if you have some of these visitors in the garden, consider placing them in a protected area.
Now’s the time to plant these bulbs and let them surprise you in spring with their gorgeous blooms and sweet scents!
Happy planting!
Also read: Plant These 8 Unusual Bulbs This Fall And Enjoy A Spectacular Bloom Display Next Season