There may still be weeks of summer left to enjoy, but now is the perfect time to start thinking ahead to next spring's garden. While it's tempting to wait until autumn arrives, ordering your spring-flowering bulbs early is one of the simplest ways to guarantee the best choice, particularly if you've got your eye on sought-after varieties that tend to sell out quickly.
From dazzling daffodils and elegant tulips to architectural alliums, buying now means you'll be ready to plant as soon as the cooler weather arrives in September.
It's also worth keeping our changing climate in mind when thinking about spring bulbs. As milder winters become more common, many spring bulbs are beginning to bloom weeks earlier than gardeners once expected, bringing welcome colour from as early as February.
A little forward planning now will reward you with a garden that's bursting into life long before spring has officially begun.
Why now is the best time to order spring bulbs
“Grabbing your spring bulbs sooner rather than later will ensure you get them before they all go," says Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk.
Types like thalia daffodils, menton tulips and alliums – such as purple sensation – are incredibly popular and sell out quickly.
You can begin planting from September, so getting your orders in early ensures you're ready at the right time and will have access to the largest variety of blooms.
The best early spring bulbs to buy now
Daffodils
- Thalia
- Tête-à-Tête
- Narcissus poeticus
Tulips
- Menton
- Pink Impression
Crocus
- Vanguard
- Ambassador
Why are spring bulbs flowering earlier?
Due to rising temperatures throughout recent years, bulbs that would usually show in spring have been popping up as early as February.
"Many spring bulbs respond to soil temperature as well as daylight, so milder winters can trigger growth and flowering," explains Chris.
Top tips for longer-lasting spring displays
Chis recommends planting your bulbs in layers, which ensures blooms throughout the seasons. This way you'll have a variety of colours and flowers appearing at different times.
"Use the 'lasagne' planting method, placing the latest-flowering bulbs at the bottom, with earlier bloomers layered above," he recommends.
Spring bulbs to order now
Narcissus 'Thalia'
Narcissus miscellaneous daffodil bulbs - Narcissus Tete a Tete
Crocus Vanguard | Large Flowering Crocus
Galanthus nivalis
