What to Plant in Fall for Spring Blooms

Tulips

Tulips are charming flowers that come in a range of shades, such as red, purple, orange, white, yellow, and pink. Julia Omelchenko, resident botany expert at Plantum, says that tulips are one of the most popular spring flowers, and the best time to plant their bulbs is mid-to-late fall, around October to November.

“Depending on your climate, you can even plant them in early December if temperatures are mild,” she says. “Just avoid planting them too early. If the weather is still warm, they might start growing prematurely and then get damaged when it gets cold.” Ideally, she says, tulips should be planted when nighttime temperatures haven’t dropped below freezing yet.

“Place the bulbs about 6 to 8 inches deep with the pointed end facing up,” she says. “Cover with soil, and tap it down gently. For a more striking look, plant the bulbs in groups rather than individually.”

Daffodils

Daffodils are another pretty and playful flower that will pop up during the spring season if you plant the bulbs in fall. Omelchenko says you should plant the bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep, leaving at least 4 inches of space between them. Make sure the pointed end of the bulb is facing up. “These plants are perfect for planting on lawns, under trees, and in flower beds,” she says.

Hyacinths

These majestic flowers will make any garden look like a wonderland. “Hyacinths are easy to grow and are famous for their fragrance,” says Jane Dobbs, expert gardener and gardening team lead at Allan’s Gardeners. “You can display fragrant spring bulbs by planting them 4 to 6 inches deep.”

Omelchenko advises planting them the same way as daffodils and making sure the pointy ends of the bulbs face up. “Hyacinths need well-drained soil because too much water can cause the bulbs to rot,” she says. “They prefer sunny spots but can also grow in partial shade.”

“Tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils will need to be watered well after planting and have a layer of mulch to protect them from frost,” she adds.

Alliums

These unique beauties bloom a cluster of flowers in a spherical shape at the top of the stem and can be very low-maintenance plants. “Plant the bulbs in early or mid-fall at a depth that’s four times the diameter of the bulbs,” Omelchenko says. “Smaller varieties should be spaced 3 to 4 inches apart, while taller ones need 6 to 8 inches between each plant.”

Omelchenko explains that alliums need lots of sun and well-drained soil, but you’ll also want to choose a sheltered location for planting to prevent their stems from getting damaged by winds. “After planting, water alliums regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged,” she says. “Once the bulbs have established, they’ll be quite drought-tolerant.”

Crocuses

These low-growing flowers belong to the Iris family and come in various colors, such as lilac, purple, white, yellow, and mauve. Omelchenko says crocuses are best planted between September and late October.

“You should plant the bulbs 2.5 to 4 inches deep, leaving about 2.5 inches of space between them,” she says. “Crocuses thrive in well-drained, loose soil. If the soil is heavy, you can mix in sand and compost to improve drainage.”

She adds that these plants grow well in both sunny and partially shaded areas and don’t need much water once established. “Crocuses can handle harsh winters and are great for planting in lawns or along pathways, bringing early color to your garden,” she says.

Snowdrops

Snowdrops are one of the first flowers to appear in the year, sometimes even blooming through the snow. Omelchenko says these flowers like nutrient-rich, well-drained soil that retains enough moisture to prevent the bulbs from drying out, and the bulbs should be planted 2 to 3 inches deep.

“These plants grow best in partial or full shade, making them perfect for planting under deciduous trees or in shaded gardens,” she says. “Snowdrops don’t require much care, but you can add a layer of mulch to protect them during winter, as with other plants.”

Fritillaries

Fritillaries are from the lily family and are so unique that they look like they belong in a fairy garden. These bright, bell-shaped flowers come in an array of colors, and some even have checkered patterns on their petals.

Omelchenko warns that their bulbs have a slightly unpleasant smell, so it’s a good idea to wear gloves when handling them. “While the smell might seem like a drawback, it actually helps deter rodents and other small animals like mice, moles, and squirrels—pests that can be a real nuisance in the garden,” she informs.

She adds that fritillaries prefer well-drained soil and bright sunlight, but can also tolerate light shade. “It’s best to plant them in a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day,” she says. When planting the bulbs, she recommends tilting them slightly to prevent water from collecting in the top part, which could cause them to rot.

Grape Hyacinths

Muscari, also known as grape hyacinths, produce clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that can be purple, yellow, blue, or white. Omelchenko says you should plant the bulbs 2.5 to 4 inches deep with 2.5 to 3 inches between them. They tend to spread and can form a carpet of flowers, so choose a spot with plenty of space for them to grow. If you don’t want them to spread too much, you can plant them in containers.

“Grape hyacinths thrive in both sunny and partially shaded areas, preferring well-drained soil,” Omelchenko says. “They require very little care—just remove faded flowers to prevent seed formation and divide any clumps that become too large.”

Windflowers

Windflowers, also called anemones, are low-maintenance flowers that bloom in early spring. “To grow windflowers, plant them in fall in well-drained soil where they’ll receive full sun or partial shade,” Omelchenko says. “Soak the tubers in water for about 12 hours before planting to help them root faster.”

“Plant the tubers 2.5 to 3 inches deep, spaced about 4 to 6 inches apart,” she adds. “As with other plants, a layer of mulch will help protect them from cold weather. Once established, anemones require minimal care, but they should be watered regularly during dry periods.”

Omelchenko also adds that windflowers’ ability to thrive in shady areas make them perfect for planting under trees and shrubs.

Peonies

Peonies have plump fluffy flowers that come in a variety of colors, such as pink, white, red, coral, and yellow. They reach 3 to 4 feet tall, and can stretch out 3 to 5 feet wide. “Peonies are large, fragrant plants with a long lifespan,” Dobbs says. “They thrive in soil with good drainage and full sun.”

Peony tubers should be planted 2 to 3 inches deep, and the eyes (buds) should be upward-facing. The spacing between peony plants should be between 3 and 4 feet. This will allow them to grow more easily, and air to flow freely so that diseases will not spread.

Bleeding Hearts

As the name implies, bleeding hearts have heart-shaped flowers that make for an eye-catching addition to any garden. “The bleeding heart crowns should be planted about 1 to 2 inches deep,” Dobbs says. “As bleeding heart plants can spread and need room for their foliage, space them about 2 to 3 feet apart.” This plant would make a great addition to your pollinator garden, because it can attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.