Top 10 Fall flower bulbs to plant in your garden

Planting bulbs in the fall is a wonderful way to ensure your garden bursts with color when spring arrives. We'll give you 10 picks for your spring flowering (fall planting) garden. These flowers will turn your garden instant from winter to spring! Plant these in the fall, and they come up in spring. Here are the top 10 fall flower bulbs that will bring a spectacular array of blooms to your garden. 

1. Tulips

Tulips are a classic choice and come in a rainbow of colors and a variety of shapes. They are perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden beds or containers. When planting tulips, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant the bulbs about 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Tulips are versatile and can be used in formal garden designs or informal, cottage-style gardens. To create a continuous display of color, consider planting early, mid-season, and late-blooming varieties.

2. Daffodils

Daffodils, known for their cheerful yellow blooms, are a garden staple. They are easy to grow and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. Daffodils should be planted about 6 inches deep and 6 inches apart. They are also deer-resistant, making them an excellent choice if you have issues with wildlife nibbling on your plants. Daffodils naturalize well, meaning they will multiply over the years, providing an ever-increasing display of flowers each spring.

 

3. Crocuses

Crocuses are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, often appearing while there is still snow on the ground. These small but vibrant flowers are perfect for borders, rock gardens, and lawns. Plant crocus bulbs 3-4 inches deep and about 3 inches apart. Crocuses come in a variety of colors, including purple, yellow, white, and striped varieties. They are great for naturalizing and will spread over time to create beautiful carpets of color.

4. Hyacinths

Hyacinths are known for their strong fragrance and dense flower spikes. They come in a range of colors including blue, pink, white, and purple. Plant hyacinth bulbs 4-6 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Their intense fragrance makes them a perfect choice for planting near pathways or doorways where you can enjoy their scent. Hyacinths are also excellent for forcing indoors, providing beautiful blooms and fragrance inside your home during the winter months.

5. Alliums

Alliums, or ornamental onions, have unique, spherical blooms that add a whimsical touch to any garden. These flowers grow best in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Plant allium bulbs about 6-8 inches deep and 8-10 inches apart. Alliums come in various sizes, from small varieties perfect for rock gardens to large types that make a bold statement in garden beds. They are also deer-resistant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

 

6. Iris

Irises produce beautiful, intricate flowers that are often bi-colored, making them a striking addition to any garden. They thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Plant iris bulbs 4-5 inches deep and about 3-4 inches apart. Irises come in a variety of types, including bearded, Siberian, and Dutch irises, each with its own unique charm. They are ideal for adding vertical interest to your garden and work well in mixed borders and perennial beds.

7. Peonies

Peonies are beloved for their large, fragrant blooms that come in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. They prefer sunny spots with fertile, well-drained soil. Plant peony bulbs with the eyes facing up, just below the soil surface. Peonies are long-lived perennials that will reward you with stunning blooms year after year.

 

8. Anemones

Anemones, also known as windflowers, produce vibrant blooms that add a splash of color to your garden. They prefer sunny or partially shaded areas with well-drained soil. Plant anemone bulbs 2 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart. Anemones are great for naturalizing and will spread to create colorful patches in your garden. They bloom in a range of colors, including red, blue, pink, and white, and are perfect for adding color to woodland gardens and borders.

9. Scillas

Scillas, also known as wood squills, produce clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of blue and purple. They thrive in partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. Plant scilla bulbs 3-4 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart. They naturalize easily and are great for woodland gardens or naturalized areas.

10. Muscari

Muscaris create a stunning carpet of blue in the garden, often in woodland settings. They prefer shady areas and well-drained soil. Plant Muscaris about 4 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Muscaris are perfect for naturalizing in shady areas under trees and shrubs. They provide a beautiful display in spring and are relatively low maintenance. Bluebells are also excellent for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden.

 

Tips for planting Fall bulbs

• Determine your climate zone: fall bulbs are supposed to be planted in the fall. But based on your climate zone this can vary per month. Warmer climates have a later planting window, than colder climates. Remember to plant fall bulbs before the first frost. 
• Choose the right spot: most bulbs prefer sunny locations with well-drained soil. Check the specific needs of each type of bulb.
• Plant at the right depth: follow the recommended planting depth for each bulb type to ensure they grow properly.
• Space properly: give each bulb enough space to grow. Crowded bulbs can lead to poor growth and smaller blooms.
• Water well: water the bulbs thoroughly after planting to help them settle into the soil.
• Add mulch: a layer of mulch can help protect bulbs from extreme cold and keep the soil moist.

Planting fall flower bulbs is a great way to ensure a colorful and lively garden come spring. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy a beautiful display of tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and more. Start planting now and look forward to a vibrant garden that will be the envy of your neighbors.