Spring Flowering Bulbs — Plant in Autumn for Spring Colour
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Spring flowering bulbs are planted in autumn and flower from February to May, bringing tulips, daffodils, grape hyacinths and fritillaries to Irish beds, borders and pots. They are well suited to our mild, damp climate as long as they go into free-draining soil. Free tracked delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
When and how to plant spring bulbs in Ireland
Plant daffodils, muscari and fritillaries from September, and leave tulips until October–November. Set each bulb pointed end up at 2–3 times its own height deep; waterlogged ground rots bulbs far more often than cold does.
| Bulb | When to plant | Depth | Spacing | Light | Flowers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daffodil Narcissus 'Thalia' | September–October | 10–15 cm | 10–15 cm | Sun or part shade | February–April |
| Tulip Tulipa sylvestris | October–November | 15–20 cm | 10–15 cm | Full sun | April–May |
| Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum | September–November | 8–10 cm | 5–8 cm | Sun or part shade | April |
| Hyacinth Hyacinthus 'Blue Water' | September–November | 10–15 cm | 10–15 cm | Sun or part shade | March–April |
| Snake's head fritillary Fritillaria meleagris | September–October | 8–10 cm | Informal drifts | Sun or part shade | April–May |
Getting a long season from spring bulbs
Combine early, mid and late bulbs for colour from February into May. In pots, try lasagne layering: large, late bulbs such as tulips go deepest, with daffodils above and small early bulbs like muscari on top. After flowering, leave the foliage for about six weeks so the bulbs can build up for next year.
If squirrels or mice dig up freshly planted bulbs, lay chicken wire over the area until the shoots appear. Tulip, daffodil and hyacinth bulbs are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so store and plant them out of reach.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant spring bulbs in Ireland?
Daffodils, crocus and fritillaries are best planted in September–October. Tulips prefer October–November, when cooler soil helps them avoid tulip fire.
Why are my grape hyacinth leaves showing in autumn?
That is normal. Muscari often send up leaves in autumn and still flower as expected in April.
Do tulips come back every year?
Many hybrid tulips flower best in their first year, so treat them as annuals or lift them. Species tulips such as Tulipa sylvestris and Darwin hybrids return more reliably.
Browse tulip bulbs and daffodil bulbs, or read our autumn planting guide for Ireland.
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