By October, the air has a crisp bite, the trees are aflame with colour, and gardens begin to wind down for winter. But for those in the know, this is not the end of the gardening year — it’s the beginning of the next.
October is bulb-planting season, a time to tuck away treasures that will sleep beneath the soil until spring sunshine wakes them.
Whether you crave a lawn dusted with snowdrops, borders bursting with tulips, or pots brimming with fragrant hyacinths, the choices you make now will determine how colourful your garden will be when the world turns green again. Here’s your complete guide to planting bulbs in October for a truly spectacular spring.
Why October is the Magic Month
Timing is everything with bulbs. Too early, and they may sprout prematurely; too late, and they won’t have time to establish roots before the frost.
October strikes the perfect balance — the soil is still warm (around 10°C/50°F), but the cooler nights tell the bulbs it’s time to start growing below ground.
This root growth before winter is crucial. Even while your garden looks dormant, bulbs are quietly developing the strong underground systems that will fuel next spring’s display. By planting in October, you’re giving them the best start possible.
There’s another advantage, too: autumn rains mean you can usually skip extra watering, and with fewer weeds to compete with, your bulbs can focus entirely on growing.
The Stars of the Spring Show
Let’s look at the leading performers — bulbs that never fail to make an impact and thrive when planted in October.
Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
Flowering time: April–May
Planting depth: 15–20 cm | Spacing: 10–15 cm
No spring garden is complete without tulips. With their perfect symmetry, bold colours, and elegant height, they’re the showstoppers of April and May.
Planting in mid- to late October helps prevent “tulip fire,” a fungal disease that can strike in damp autumns.
Design tip: For a modern, dramatic border, try pairing deep purple ‘Queen of Night’ tulips with the soft blush tones of ‘Angelique.’
Or, for classic cheer, mass-plant vibrant red and yellow ‘Apeldoorn’ tulips in large drifts.
In pots: Layer tulips beneath smaller bulbs like crocus or muscari for a succession of colour.
Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
Flowering time: February–April
Planting depth: 10–15 cm | Spacing: 10 cm
Daffodils are the most reliable heralds of spring — sunshine on stems, bursting through the dull greys of late winter.
From the miniature ‘Tête-à-Tête’ to the big, blousy ‘Carlton,’ there’s a daffodil for every space.
Naturalising tip: Daffodils look best when planted in informal clumps rather than neat rows. Toss the bulbs gently onto the ground and plant them where they fall for a natural look.
Varieties to try:
- ‘Thalia’ — elegant white petals, perfect for woodland gardens.
- ‘Jetfire’ — small, with a vivid orange trumpet.
- ‘Pink Charm’ — soft blush tones that look stunning in mixed borders.
Crocuses (Crocus vernus / C. tommasinianus)
Flowering time: February–March
Planting depth: 8–10 cm | Spacing: 5–8 cm
Among the first to appear, crocuses are the messengers of spring, popping up through the last dustings of snow. Their jewel-like colours — purples, whites, yellows — create a carpet of joy after the long winter.
For lawns: Plant crocuses in drifts across grassy areas. They’ll flower before the first mow, then disappear as the grass grows.
Favourite varieties: ‘Jeanne d’Arc’ (pure white), ‘Ruby Giant’ (deep violet), or ‘Yellow Mammoth’ for a sunny glow.
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Flowering time: March–April
Planting depth: 10–12 cm | Spacing: 10 cm
If fragrance is your passion, hyacinths are essential. Their dense spikes of blooms scent the air with a heady perfume that evokes spring indoors and out.
Plant them in pots by the front door or along garden paths where their fragrance can be enjoyed up close. For containers, choose early varieties such as ‘Delft Blue,’ ‘Woodstock,’ and ‘Pink Pearl.’
Pro tip: For indoor displays, you can “force” hyacinths — chilling the bulbs in a dark place for 8–10 weeks, then bringing them into warmth for Christmas blooms.
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
Flowering time: January–February
Planting depth: 5 cm | Spacing: 5 cm
Delicate and understated, snowdrops are often the very first to flower — sometimes through frost and snow. Their simple white bells bring hope and quiet beauty when little else is awake.
Plant snowdrops “in the green” (when they’re just finished flowering) if possible, but October bulb planting can still yield great results. They prefer moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade — under trees, hedges, or shrubs.
Alliums
Flowering time: May–June
Planting depth: 10–15 cm | Spacing: 15–20 cm
When most spring bulbs are fading, alliums take the stage with their striking spherical blooms that float like purple fireworks above the foliage.
They’re ideal for adding height and architectural interest to borders.
Varieties to try: ‘Purple Sensation’ for rich colour, ‘Globemaster’ for drama, or ‘Christophii’ for a starburst effect.
Muscari (Grape Hyacinths)
Flowering time: March–April
Planting depth: 8 cm | Spacing: 5–8 cm
These hardy, easy bulbs form rivers of blue in spring borders. They naturalise quickly, spreading over time to create cheerful drifts that return year after year.
Muscari pair beautifully with yellow daffodils or pink tulips — the complementary colours make each other pop.
Fritillaries (Fritillaria meleagris & F. imperialis)
Flowering time: April–May
Planting depth: 10–15 cm | Spacing: 10 cm
For something a little unusual, fritillaries bring an exotic touch.
The delicate Fritillaria meleagris, or snakeshead fritillary, has distinctive chequered petals in mauve and white, while the majestic Fritillaria imperialis (crown imperial) boasts towering stems topped with orange or yellow bells and a crown of leaves.
They prefer moist (meleagris) or well-drained (imperialis) soil, so position accordingly.
How to Plant for Success
- Pick the right spot. Most bulbs love sun and well-drained soil. If your garden tends toward clay, improve drainage with grit or sand.
- Dig deep. A good rule of thumb: plant bulbs about twice to three times their height deep.
- Bulbs upright. The pointed end faces up — roots grow from the flatter base.
- Water once. Give bulbs a good drink after planting to settle the soil, then let rainfall do the rest.
- Mulch for protection. A thin layer of compost or bark keeps weeds down and soil temperature steady.
- Mark your spots. Use plant labels or garden photos so you don’t disturb bulbs later when spring planting.
Design Ideas for Maximum Impact
Layered “Lasagne” Planting
Perfect for pots and containers, this method layers bulbs at different depths for a continuous display:
- Bottom: tulips
- Middle: daffodils or hyacinths
- Top: crocus or muscari
As each finishes blooming, the next takes over — a seamless succession of colour from February to May.
Natural Woodland Look
Scatter snowdrops, crocuses, and miniature daffodils beneath deciduous trees or shrubs. The dappled spring light and fallen leaves create the perfect backdrop for their delicate colours.
Bold Colour Themes
For a cohesive border, limit yourself to two or three complementary shades.
Try:
- Romantic blush: pink tulips, white hyacinths, pale daffodils.
- Classic contrast: yellow daffodils with blue muscari.
- Contemporary drama: black tulips, purple alliums, silver foliage.
Aftercare and Long-Term Beauty
Once the show is over, it’s tempting to tidy up — but resist cutting down foliage too soon.
The leaves continue photosynthesising, feeding the bulb for next year’s flowers. Wait until the foliage turns yellow and floppy before removing it.
Deadhead spent blooms to prevent seed formation (which drains energy), and feed with a balanced fertiliser or bulb food after flowering.
In pots, let bulbs die back naturally, then either lift and store them in a cool, dry place or replant them in the garden.
At a Glance: Your October Bulb Planting Calendar
| Bulb | Best Planting Month | Flowering Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowdrops | Sept–Oct | Jan–Feb | Best in shade, good for naturalising |
| Crocus | Sept–Oct | Feb–Mar | Ideal for lawns, early colour |
| Daffodils | Sept–Oct | Feb–Apr | Reliable, naturalises easily |
| Hyacinths | Oct | Mar–Apr | Fragrant, great for pots |
| Tulips | Mid–Late Oct | Apr–May | Plant late to prevent disease |
| Muscari | Oct | Mar–Apr | Easy, fast-spreading |
| Alliums | Oct–Nov | May–Jun | Adds height and structure |
| Fritillaries | Oct | Apr–May | Adds drama and uniqueness |
Florist thoughts
Planting bulbs in October is one of gardening’s quiet pleasures — a small act of faith in future beauty. There’s something deeply satisfying about tucking bulbs into the earth while the year fades, knowing that in a few short months, they’ll return in a blaze of colour and life.
So wrap up warm, grab a trowel, and get planting. Come spring, your garden will thank you with a performance that’s nothing short of magical.