Sarah Raven offers her advice on the five best bulbs to buy in August to enjoy a succession of colour in the new year
It may seem slightly premature to think about spring bulbs when it barely feels like we’ve had a good grip on summer yet, but the secret to an abundant garden is all in the planning. To enjoy an array of beautiful, thriving blooms from January 2024 all the way through to the following summer takes considered preparation, and this is best started now!
The most important thing to tick off the to-do list is the purchase of your spring bulbs. Purchasing your bulbs in August will ensure they arrive in plenty of time to plant in the autumn months, but their early arrival also provides an opportunity to visualise and map where you will place them in your garden.
Sarah explains: “Planning ahead is key to get the most from your garden and gives you something to look forward to in the cooler months. There is something about the fresh mornings in January that makes my heart sing. A new year offers us a chance to refresh, regather, and replenish, and for me, nothing marks a more positive start to a new year than the fresh fragrance of new blooms just starting to explode from the wintered earth. To truly appreciate this spectacle of budding new life, planning ahead and purchasing your bulbs in advance is essential. I recommend purchasing your bulbs at least four weeks before planned planting to ensure you are greeted with a beautiful array of successional colour from January through to summer next year.”
Sarah Raven shares her five tips for gorgeous bulbs you can order now to plant in Autumn, ready for spring:
- Amaryllis: Plant in September, to bloom in January
“Amaryllis, with its beautiful statement blooms, is the perfect flower to welcome in the new year. They can vary from super-chunky to delicate, fine varieties with petals in jolly red, crimson-washed greens, and rosy pinks and whites. They will flower 7-10 weeks from planting, so I recommend planting in September to enjoy full flowers in January. They need lots of light to flower, but it’s important that they don’t bask in harsh direct sunlight.”
- Crocus & Snowdrops: Plant in September, to bloom in February
“Delicate and vibrant, plant crocus corms in September for a much-needed display of colour in February. Their beautiful yellow, white, and purple petals are packed with pollen to attract bumblebees, who’s buzz indicates the first movement away from winter. Crocuses thrive in gritty, well-drained soil that can be quite poor. They love to be planted where they will be in full sunshine when they come to flower.
“The perfect accompaniment to crocuses are snowdrop bulbs, also known as ‘heralds of spring.’ These should be planted in autumn for February flowering and are subtle yet beautiful with small white drooping bell-shaped flowers. Snowdrops prefer moist soil and are happy to be mostly left alone throughout the year.”
- Narcissi: Plant in November, to bloom in March
“Narcissi bring the colour of sunshine just when it’s needed most. Their bright colour and fresh scent bring the first indication of the coming spring. As a plant, they are exceptionally tolerant and can be placed in any site and situation. They are also one of the more reliable plants, with more and more appearing each year. You should plant your bulbs from September to November for their debut in March.”
- Tulips: Plant in October, to bloom in April
“The statement colours of tulips bring life to any border and container. Mixing the romantic shades of pink and cream with different shapes and textures brings so much creativity to any garden. Plant bulbs from late October to December to enjoy the spectacle of flowering in April. Tulips prefer fertile, well-drained soil and mostly thrive in full sun. Our new tulip collections are available to purchase now and include the sensational Spring Party and Spring Table collections amongst many others.”
- Alliums: Plant in Autumn, to bloom in May
“The arrival of alliums, with their gorgeous firework heads, indicates the transition from spring to summer. They require very little effort and are beautifully consistent. You just need to plant your bulbs in well-drained soil in autumn, and before you know it, your borders will be boasting glamorous swathes of alliums. They are perennial, so choose a permanent spot that will go undisturbed. They are just excellent for cutting when in flower, or as dried decorative seed pods.”
To purchase your bulbs now, please visit the Sarah Raven website.
