Hyacinths
Hyacinths, with their sweet fragrance, are a popular choice for spring gardens. To enjoy their beauty, plant their bulbs in autumn from September onwards, ensuring they are in a sunny location with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
The bulbs should be planted 10cm deep and 4cm apart, with the pointy side facing up. Water regularly but avoid overwatering.
Hyacinths can also be planted in containers. Use a soil-based bulb compost with horticultural grit and plant the bulbs 10cm deep. Water well and feed them weekly with a bone meal feed until they die down naturally.
If you prefer indoor blooms, you can force hyacinth to grow indoors but the bulbs require a chilling period. Plant them in a container and place them in a cool, dark location for 6 weeks. Once the shoots reach 5cm tall, move the container to a warm, bright spot outdoors.
After flowering, deadhead the flower spikes but allow the foliage to die back naturally. Every few years, dig up the bulbs and remove any diseased or rotting ones before replanting fresh. To combat pests like aphids and botrytis fungus, use organic methods like soapy water or fungicides.
Crocuses
Crocus corms offer a vibrant burst of colour in early spring and are often the first sign that spring is on its way. They are easy to care for and can be planted in borders, containers and naturalised in lawns.
Start by choosing a well-drained, organic-rich soil. Crocus prefers sunny or partially shaded areas but can tolerate a range of conditions. Dig holes about 10cm deep and fill them with a thin layer of bulb compost. Place the corms into the holes, spacing them approximately 7.5cm apart. Cover them with more bulb compost and replace the soil, treading it down firmly. Water thoroughly.
You can also plant crocus corms in containers. Use a well-draining potting mix and place the corms 2-3cm below the soil surface. Space them 1-2 cm apart and move the containers to a sunny location once the corms begin to sprout.
Water them regularly during dry periods but avoid overwatering. Deadhead the spent flowers after they fade but leave the foliage until it yellows. This allows the bulbs to recharge for the following year. Avoid mowing the grass near the foliage if planted in the lawn.
Tulips
Tulips are a popular spring addition to gardens and containers. To plant tulips, choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. Plant the bulbs in autumn, at a depth of three times their size, and space them about 15cm apart. After planting, water thoroughly.
For container planting, ensure proper drainage and use a bulb compost. Place the bulbs in the container with the tips pointing upward and cover them with compost. When flowered, If planting in containers, regularly turn to prevent your tulips from bending towards the sun.
To care for tulips, feed them with a liquid feed high in potash in the spring. Deadhead the flowers after they bloom and allow the leaves to die down naturally before removing them. If your soil is free-draining and sandy, you can leave the bulbs in the ground over the summer.
Tulips can be susceptible to pests and diseases, such as slugs, snails, rodents, and tulip fire, which leads to brown spots, twisted and withered leaves, and distorted growth. To protect your tulips, use organic pellets or copper tape to deter slugs and snails, and consider using chicken wire to deter rodents. Remove infected bulbs promptly to prevent the spread of tulip fire.
Irises
Irises, known for their elegant flowers and diverse colours, are a popular choice for gardens in spring and can be planted in autumn from September through to November. They come in various sizes, from dwarf varieties to towering border irises.
To plant irises, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Plant the rhizomes 10cm deep and 30cm apart in autumn. Gently mound the soil slightly in the centre of the hole. Carefully work the soil back between the roots to cover them but ensure the top of the rhizome remains exposed to sunlight to promote flowering for the following year.
For dwarf irises in containers, use a bulb compost and grit mixture and plant them 7cm deep and 10cm apart.
After planting, feed irises every two weeks with a low nitrogen feed and divide them every few years to prevent overcrowding. Cut back foliage before digging up clumps and discard any diseased rhizomes.
Irises can be susceptible to fungal diseases like leaf spot, ink disease, rust, and rot. To prevent these, remove leaf debris at the end of each year and plant rhizomes in well-drained soil. Fungicides can also be used to treat leaf spots.
Daffodils
Narcissus, commonly known as daffodils, are a springtime staple that adds a cheerful burst of sunshine to gardens, containers and lawns. These resilient plants are easy to grow and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.
To plant daffodils, prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter. Plant the bulbs with the pointed end upward, approximately 10cm deep, and space them about 15cm apart. For container planting, use a large container and plant the bulbs at the same depth and spacing.
After planting, store container-grown daffodils in a cool, dark place for 10 weeks before moving them to a bright spot. Water sparingly, as daffodils don’t like to be waterlogged.
Once daffodils have finished flowering, deadhead them to encourage healthy growth. Apply a high-potassium liquid feed to support the bulbs for next year’s blooms. After the leaves turn yellow, cut them back and firm down the soil to deter bulb flies.
While daffodils are generally low maintenance, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases, such as slugs, snails, virus diseases, basal rot, and narcissus bulb flies. To prevent, ensure proper planting depth, avoid overwatering, remove infected plants, and monitor for signs of damage.
Alliums
Alliums, ornamental members of the onion family, are renowned for their striking, spherical blooms that add a dramatic touch to spring gardens. These versatile bulbs can be planted in both the ground and containers and their vibrant colours and unique shapes make them a popular choice among gardeners.
To plant alliums, choose a sunny, well-drained location and prepare the soil with organic matter and compost. Plant the bulbs in autumn, at a depth of three times the bulb size (roughly 10cm), and space them accordingly. After planting, water thoroughly and allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Alliums are relatively low maintenance but may require occasional watering and division.
While alliums are generally pest-free, they can be susceptible to diseases like onion white rot and downy mildew. Regular inspection and removal of infected plants can help prevent these issues. If older plants are becoming overcrowded you can lift, divide, and replant allium bulbs after the foliage and flowers have died down.
Muscari
Muscari, often called grape hyacinths, are a delightful addition to any spring garden. These petite bulbs boast clusters of tiny, urn-shaped flowers that come in a variety of vibrant colours, including blue, purple, white, and pink.
Muscari is typically planted in autumn, between September and November. These bulbs thrive in both full sun and partial shade and are adaptable to most soil types.
Plant the bulbs approximately 10cm deep and 8-10cm apart. For impact, consider planting them in groups or naturalise by planting in a lawn.
After flowering, allow the leaves to die back naturally before removing them. To maintain the health and vigour of your Muscari plants, lift and divide congested clumps in the summer. In spring, top-dress with compost and feed with a high potash feed.
While Muscari is generally pest-free, they can be susceptible to mosaic virus, spread by aphids. Regular inspection and spraying with soapy water can help prevent this issue.