Garden & Outdoors guide

Plant spring bulbs in autumn

Choose, plant and protect spring-flowering bulbs in borders, lawns and pots this autumn so you get a reliable display from late winter onwards.

Estimated time: 1–3 hoursUpdated: 28 September 2026

Use this guide from September to November when bulbs are in the shops. You need firm, healthy bulbs, a trowel or bulb planter, some grit if your soil is heavy, and pots with drainage holes if planting in containers.

Step by step

  1. Choose bulbs and timings

    Plant daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops and alliums in early autumn, and leave tulips until later in autumn when the soil is cooler. Pick firm bulbs with no soft spots or mould. Mix early, mid and late varieties for a longer display.

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