If you want to brighten up your garden after winter, planting bulbs is a great way to add color and life in spring. Bulbs are easy to plant and give you flowers that come back year after year.
The best bulbs to plant in fall or early spring can give you blooms that last through the season and bring a splash of color to your outdoor space. Knowing which bulbs work well for spring helps you plan for a vibrant garden.
Daffodils
Daffodils are great if you want bright yellow flowers in spring. They are easy to grow and don’t need much care.
You can plant them in the fall, and they will come back year after year. Plus, they don’t usually get eaten by pests, so they stay looking good.
These bulbs work well in pots or garden beds, even if you don’t have full sun.
Tulips
Tulips are a classic choice if you want bright colors in your garden. You should plant the bulbs in the fall to enjoy blooms in spring.
They come in many colors, so you can mix and match to fit your style. Tulips grow well in both sun and light shade, making them easy to grow.
Crocuses
Crocuses are a great way to add early color to your garden. They bloom in late winter to early spring, often before other flowers. You can plant them in small groups for a natural look or toss them into grass for surprise pops of purple, white, or yellow. They are low maintenance and come back each year.
Hyacinths
You can plant hyacinths in the fall for bright spring color. They like full sun but can grow in some shade too. These flowers bloom for two to three weeks and have a strong, sweet scent.
Hyacinths come in many colors, including blue, white, and yellow. You can grow them in your garden or in pots indoors.
Snowdrops
Snowdrops are one of the first bulbs to bloom in spring. You can plant them in fall, and they’ll pop up with tiny white flowers when the weather warms.
They’re great if you want something low-maintenance. Plus, deer and rodents usually leave them alone, so your bulbs stay safe.
Anemones
You’ll love planting anemones if you want bright, colorful blooms in spring. They come in shades like blue, pink, and white, adding a fresh look to your garden.
Anemones also mix well with other spring bulbs like tulips or daffodils. They’re great for gardens and look nice as cut flowers inside your home.
Lilies
Lilies are a great pick if you want bold colors in your garden. They come in many types, like the Surprise Lily, which blooms in summer but is planted in spring.
You’ll like how easy they are to grow, and their flowers often stand out with bright colors. They can add a nice tropical feel to your spring garden.
Dahlias
You can plant dahlia tubers in spring to get colorful flowers all summer long. They come in many shapes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your garden. Dahlias like sunny spots and grow bigger each year if you take care of the tubers. They are a fun way to add bright, fresh color to your outdoor space.
Calla Lilies
You’ll love planting Calla lilies for their elegant, cup-shaped flowers. They grow from rhizomes and have shiny, green leaves that look great in any garden or pot.
Calla lilies bloom in summer but planting them in spring gives you time for strong roots. They need well-drained soil and regular watering to stay healthy and colorful.
Gladiolus
If you want tall, colorful flowers, gladiolus is a great choice. Plant the bulbs about 6 inches deep and keep them 3 to 4 inches apart.
Make sure your gladiolus gets plenty of sun, around 6 to 8 hours daily. They do best in soil that drains well and isn’t too soggy. You can find lots of fun colors, like cream, purple, and maroon mixes to brighten your garden.
Begonias
If you want bright colors in your garden, begonias are a good choice. You can plant tuberous begonia bulbs in containers or garden beds.
They come in many colors like red, pink, yellow, and orange. Begonias do well in shady spots and bloom from mid-summer until frost.
These flowers are easy to grow and add nice color to your outdoor space.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers are great if you want low-maintenance flowers that add color to your garden. They do best in full sun but can handle a bit of shade early or late in the day.
You’ll see blooms from mid-summer, and they attract butterflies and other pollinators. They also resist deer, so your garden stays safe. Plant them with spring bulbs once those are done blooming.
Geraniums
You can plant geranium bulbs in spring for bright, long-lasting flowers. They do best with 4 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. If it gets too hot, some afternoon shade can help keep them healthy. Geraniums are easy to care for and add great color to your garden.