Choosing Planting

Planting spring bulbs late

It's possible!

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Updated on 20 January 2025 by Pascal 3 min. Winter, Autumn Difficulty

Spring-flowering bulbs, such as daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, are perfect for brightening up the garden as soon as the warmer weather returns! The best time to plant them is in autumn, during September and October. However, sometimes time flies faster than expected, and the bulbs are still waiting to be planted as autumn draws to a close. Don’t panic! Planting bulbs late can still yield beautiful results, provided you take a few precautions. Most varieties can be planted without issue until the end of November, or even December. Discover all our tips for successful late planting in the garden!

Winter, Autumn Difficulty

Our tips for successful late planting

If you find yourself planting spring bulbs late, here are some recommendations to give yourself the best chance of success:

Consider your climate: The further south you are, in regions with mild winters, the more feasible late planting becomes. In these areas, bulbs can still establish themselves in late autumn or even early winter. However, in mountainous or very cold regions, planting in December or later is risky, as the soil may freeze solid, preventing the bulbs from establishing properly.
Choose late-flowering varieties: Some bulbs tolerate late planting better, especially those that bloom later in spring. Among them, alliums, lilies, and eremurus are more forgiving: planting them is still possible until January, provided the soil is not frozen.
Plant as soon as you receive them: Bulbs should not wait! In autumn, ambient moisture can cause them to rot, especially if stored in damp or poorly ventilated areas. Plant them as soon as they arrive to prevent deterioration. The sooner they are in the ground, the better they will withstand the elements.
Don’t fear bad weather: Cold, rain, and even snow are not a problem for autumn bulbs, which are designed to withstand winter conditions. Unlike young plants or seedlings, they can handle these conditions without issue.
Don’t discard sprouted bulbs: If some bulbs already have small shoots, this doesn’t mean they are unusable. As long as the sprouting isn’t too advanced, they can still develop well. Simply handle them carefully to avoid breaking the fragile young shoots during planting.
Prepare the soil properly: To give your late plantings a boost, ensure the soil is well-drained and sufficiently loosened. Heavy, waterlogged soil increases the risk of rot, especially for late plantings. If necessary, add a bit of sand or gravel to the bottom of the planting hole to improve drainage.

What are the consequences of late planting?

When bulbs are planted late in the season, two effects may occur:

Delayed flowering: A bulb planted late takes longer to develop and bloom. For planting done at the end of November, you can expect a delay in flowering of about two weeks compared to planting done during the recommended periods (usually September to mid-October).
Shorter flowering in the first year: The flowering of bulbs planted late tends to be slightly shorter in the first year. The bulb has not had enough time to fully establish its roots before the cold sets in, which can limit the energy available for producing a long and abundant bloom. However, this phenomenon is temporary: by the second year, the bulb will have settled in and will return to a more regular and lasting flowering cycle.