As spring approaches, it’s time to head outdoors and prepare your garden for summer blooms. Flowers categorised as ‘summer bulbs’ are flowering bulbs which grow and bloom during the summer, and so they are planted at the start of spring. Summer bulbs need warm weather and warm soil. A rule of thumb to remember is, if it’s time for your tomatoes to go outdoors, it is also time to think about planting summer bulbs.

Begonias

Begonias planted in beds which are enriched with well-rotted or leaf mould will make a fine show. They should be started in shallow boxes in light soil; the saucer-like tubers should be planted shallowly with the hollow side up. As soon as any danger of frost is passed then they can be transferred to their position in the garden at least 30cm apart. Begonia tubers can be planted in spring, usually between March and May. To learn more about how you begin planting summer bulbs like begonias, take a look at our begonia growing guide. 

Dahlias

Dahlia tubers can be planted deep in fertile, well-drained soil, outdoors in spring when frost has disappeared. They prefer to be in a sunny location and spaced approximately 60cm apart. In areas where there is extreme cold, dig up dahlias and store them in a cool and dry place over the winter. Apply a high potash fertiliser every few weeks in summer and deadhead when necessary. Need to learn more about growing and planting dahlias? We have a dahlia growing guide for you to follow too! 

Lilies

Each lily bulb should be surrounded with a little sharp sand both under and above the bulb to keep slugs away and to ward off excessive wetness. As most lilies are stem rooting, we strongly recommend you plant them 3 times their depth. They give a much better display when planted in clumps of 3, 6 or 12 bulbs (15cm apart). Planting time is from October through to April. Learn more about how to plant Lilies with our lily growing guide. 

Gladioli

Plant gladioli corms about 2-3 times their depth and about twice their width apart, in fertile/well drained soil. When planting in heavy soil, place some sand underneath each corm to help with drainage. At Parker's, we recommend planting gladioli in groups at monthly intervals, starting early spring, to extend the flowering season for a display which lasts all summer long. You can plant gladioli bulbs any time between March and April. If you'd like to learn more about growing gladioli, then follow our gladioli growing guide! 

Shop our range of summer bulbs online today! There's even more to explore and grow, giving you a varied and well-rounded display.