Bulbs to Plant in the Fall and How to Plant Them for a Beautiful Spring Garden

Few sights cure winter blues like the spectacular colors from tulip bulbs and other spring bloomers. Whether you're debating your first bulbs to plant in the fall or expanding an existing spring flower bed, here are some gardening tips to make those spring flowers sing and to celebrate the start of the growing season.

What Are Flower Bulbs?

Many of the earliest (showiest) spring blooms come from bulbs planted in the fall. These underground storage structures hold the energy perennial plants need to return year after year. Early bloomers like daffodils often send up shoots before the last snow melts. Tulips, hyacinths, anemones, alliums, and Asiatic lilies are also fall-planted favorites.

While"bulb" is a general term, not all underground structures are true bulbs. Crocuses, for example, grow from small corms and are often the first to flower as winter fades. Irises grow from rhizomes, and peonies from tuberous roots—both should be planted in fall to establish in time for late-spring blooms as the last tulips fade.

Start shopping in September and October or preorder online for fall delivery. Whether buying in-store or by mail, make sure to check that bulbs are firm, dry, and free of mold or soft spots as this could indicate possible rot or bruisng.

When to Plant Fall Bulbs

Choose a cool, dry fall day—typically between mid-September and mid-October—to plant your bulbs. They’ll remain dormant through winter but begin growing roots before the ground freezes, giving them a head start on spring.

How Should I Plant Bulbs?

Start by loosening the soil with a trowel or hoe until it feels crumbly and well-aerated. Mix in some compost to help hold moisture, but make sure the spot drains well—too much water can cause rot. If you're only planting a few bulbs, a bulb planter makes it easy to dig individual holes. For a larger batch, it’s quicker to prepare an entire bed. You can also work in a bit of fertilizer if needed.

Before planting, take a moment to read the packaging—different flowers have different needs. Iris rhizomes, for example, should be planted shallowly, while peonies need their crowns—the part where the buds emerge—right at soil level.

As a general rule of thumb, plant at a depth about two to three times the bulb’s width. A 2-inch tulip should be covered with 4 to 6 inches of soil, while small crocus corms only need about an inch. Once everything’s tucked in, give the area a good watering to settle the soil and encourage root growth before winter dormancy sets in.

Fall Bulb Planting Guide

Bulb Care and Proctection Tips

Shield Bulbs from Deep Freezes

Prepare your bulb garden for winter by adding a thick layer of mulch or fallen leaves. This natural blanket insulates the soil, protecting bulbs from damaging deep freezes. It also helps maintain consistent soil temperatures, preventing bulbs from sprouting too early during mid-winter warm spells—only to be hit by a cold snap.

Deter Deer and Other Garden Grazers

Deer love tulip bulbs, but you can help protect your garden with a few simple strategies. Lay a light chicken wire screen flat over your planting area to block digging, or apply a trusted deer repellent. For a natural deterrent, surround vulnerable bulbs with daffodils—deer tend to leave them alone, making them a great companion planting choice.

How Can I Best Show Off Bulbs?

Plant flowers in odd-numbered clusters rather than rows for the showiest gardens. Look for pre-mixed groups of bulbs, or group together complementary colored or contrasting bulbs that will bloom simultaneously. For example, group yellow daffodils, purple crocuses and pastel hyacinths for early bloomers or magenta alliums with brightly striped tulips for a later bloom.

You can also look for or create your own blends of daffodils in creamy whites, bright yellows and orange cups. Or use tulip mixes featuring patterns and textures, such as fringed or peony tulips planted in front of tall classics such as Darwin hybrid tulips in bold solids or bicolor blends.

Whatever you start with, the hundreds of varieties ensure a never-ending palette of lush, lovely spring flowers you can add in the years to come.

Check out Burpee's wide variety of tulips, daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths for your fall bulb planting.