Get ready for that bright bulb moment
No sooner have the daffodils popped up than it’s time to start thinking about what beautiful bulbs you want to grace your garden in summer.
Fragrant lilies, dahlias, gladioli and tiger flowers, lollipop-style alliums and deep mauve agapanthus will brighten up the flower border when some perennials are fading, and can be planted in spring when the soil is starting to warm up. Not only this, but potatoes and onions can be planted to produce delicious crops in summer.
Summer-flowering bulbs are an easy way to add a splash of colour to your outdoor space, regardless of size. They are loved by professional gardeners and beginners alike, thanks to their fuss-free planting, says Marcus Eyles, horticultural director of Dobbies Garden Centres (dobbies. com). Here, he shares tips for planting summer bulbs, and favourite ways of achieving a show-stopping display...
Complementing colours
One of the best ways to achieve maximum impact with your summer blooms is to choose bulbs that complement each other in colour and tone, says Marcus. for a wonderful summer display
Colourful options: Dahlia (left), gladioli, regal lilies and begonia
“There are so many kinds of summer bulbs, but dahlias are one of the most popular and come in a variety of brilliant colours that will inject vibrancy into your garden,” he explains.
“With shades ranging from pink and purple to scarlet red, orange
and yellow, these warm blooms can be mixed and matched to create an eye-catching display, whether that’s in a flowerbed or a container. What’s more, dahlias bloom right through until autumn, meaning you’ll have fantastic colour in your garden for months.”
Container planting
“People often think you need to plant bulbs in the ground, when in fact, lots of summer bulbs on the market thrive in a container,” says Marcus. “Begonia bulbs, for example, grow better in warmer soil, making them ideal for adding some colour to a doorstep or balcony.”
Tips for success
Marcus suggests checking the planting depth of container bulbs before putting them in: “Then fill a pot to this depth with peat-free multipurpose compost. Place the bulbs in the soil, pointed end facing upwards, evenly spaced so they don’t touch. Then water well and move the container to your preferred spot, before filling it up to the top with compost.”
Vegetable choices
Spring is a great time to plant vegetables for a summer harvest, with plenty of varieties out there to choose from, Marcus observes.
“Onions and shallots can be planted between March and April and will be ripe in mid-late summer, ideal for summer salads. Seed potatoes are another great option for planting in spring, and usually only take about 10 to 12 weeks to grow, meaning you can enjoy them throughout the warmer months.”
By Hannah Stephenson