We know what you're wondering: Can you plant bulbs in December?
Well, we've got good news for anyone who hasn't managed to prep their spring garden yet: you can plant bulbs in December, provided that the weather is in your favour. So, if you've been thinking about planting bulbs for spring, there's still time to stock up on the best spring bulbs for cut flowers and garden displays.
You'll just need to learn how to plant bulbs in December, because conditions are a little chillier than they were during the main autumn planting window. We've consulted a panel of gardening experts for December bulb planting tips, and we've included a round-up of the best bulbs to plant before the end of the year, too.
Can you plant bulbs in December?
If you’re wondering whether you can add bulb planting to your list of jobs to do in the garden in December, the answer isn’t completely straightforward. Technically, the answer is yes.
'You can definitely plant bulbs in December!' says Mark Dwelly, head gardener at Audley Villages. 'In fact, planting bulbs in late autumn or winter is ideal for many flowers. As the weather cools, these bulbs begin their natural cycle of growth, storing energy for a vibrant spring display.
'Just ensure the ground isn't frozen solid so you can still get them in.'
So, can you plant bulbs in December? Yes – but only if the ground hasn't frozen. There are a few drawbacks to planting bulbs this month, though.
1. Later flowering
Planting spring bulbs later than usual can delay flowering, but if you're in no rush to see early spring blooms, December planting shouldn't be a problem.
'Gardeners can plant spring-flowering bulbs in December, though they may flower slightly later than usual,' explains Angela Slater, gardening expert from Hayes Garden World.
2. Less availability
If you haven't bought your spring bulbs already, you might find that less varieties are available when you visit your local garden centre.
'You may find that bulb availability is limited, as these have been on sale since late August,' says Angela. 'If you've missed the early purchasing window, you should be able to buy ready-potted bulbs in garden centres until about the beginning of March, but they will be more expensive.'
3. Weather conditions
December bulb planting will largely depend on where you live. For many in the south of the UK, December temperatures have been fairly mild this year – which means that you still have a chance to prepare your garden for next year.
If the ground is frozen or waterlogged or you've had snow, it's best to hold off until conditions improve.
What you'll need
A long-handled bulb planter, which takes away the need to bend when planting.
Tips for planting bulbs in December
So, if the weather has been on your side, you still have a chance to plant your spring bulbs before the end of the year.
Here are a few things to consider to ensure your bulbs stand the best chance of flourishing next season.
1. Choose the right spot
While you can plant spring bulbs in the ground in December if it isn't frozen, you might have better luck with containers.
‘If you need to plant your bulbs now, I recommend planting in a garden bed or pot – somewhere that is separate from the ground,' says Steve Chilton, garden expert at LeisureBench.
Luckily, there are plenty of easy spring bulbs to grow in pots.
2. Start your bulbs indoors
A lesser-known fact about spring bulbs is that they can be started indoors. This is especially handy if the weather outside is just too frightful for your bulbs this month.
'If your soil conditions don’t seem to be improving, consider using old plastic pots to temporarily house your bulbs,' says Angela. 'Once they sprout and the soil becomes workable, simply sink the entire pot into a border gap.
'After the bulbs complete their flowering cycle, remove the pot, leaving a prepared planting hole for future use. Feed the bulbs with tomato fertiliser, and once the foliage dies back, you can remove and store them for the next season.'
3. Choose bulbs that like the cold
Certain spring bulbs develop especially well in cooler conditions. If you know when to plant tulips, you might already be aware of their affinity for colder weather.
'Tulips need special attention, as they require planting during cooler temperatures,' says Angela. 'Planting too early when the weather is still mild can make them vulnerable to tulip fire, a destructive fungal infection.'
That said, daffodils, hyacinths and alliums can also be planted in December, provided that the ground isn't frozen.
The best bulbs to plant in December
Although it’s possible to plant bulbs in December, it’s important to note that some bulbs will have more success being planted at this time than others. Below, you’ll find the best bulbs to plant in December for guaranteed blooms next year.
1. Tulips
Tulips are a welcome sign of spring, and the multitude of colour options can really pop among the greenery of your garden. However, knowing when to plant tulips is key – and it just so happens that you can get away with planting tulips in December.
'Warm, damp weather helps tulip fire disease to spread, so the cold of December should help protect your tulips,' says Harry Bodell, gardening expert at PriceYourJob.co.uk.
Luckily, learning how to plant tulips in pots and the ground is easier than it sounds.
2. Daffodils
If you want to know how to plant daffodils, you first need to follow the rules around when to plant daffodils. And while you should technically plant daffodil bulbs in September, the rules are fairly loose – especially when the winter is mild.
Harry says, ‘Daffodils prefer to be planted when there is still some warmth in the soil as it allows them to develop roots before the cold of winter. If the weather in December is mild and the ground soft, then the daffodils should be fine.’
However, he has issued a warning to those planting daffodils in December. ‘When planted later than normal, they will bloom later in the spring, and some may come up blind, meaning with foliage but without flowers.’
3. Hyacinth
Like many other spring bulbs, the perfect time to plant hyacinth bulbs is between September and November – but most experts agree that you can also plant them in December if you left your spring garden prep to the last minute.
‘Hyacinths can be planted from September up to December either in your borders or in outdoor containers,’ explains Harry. ‘If planted in the ground, the soil should be well-drained and in a sunny position. As with other spring bulbs planted later than normal, your hyacinths will bloom later than they normally would.’
4. Any other leftover bulbs
While certain spring bulbs do prefer being planted in autumn, there’s no harm in trying some extra planting out for size – as long as the ground isn’t frozen over or too waterlogged.
Harry suggests, ‘If you find some spring bulbs that you have forgotten about, and which are in good condition, it is worth planting them rather than discarding them. They may reward you with a wonderful display in the spring, and if they don’t bloom, then just remember to plant earlier next year.’
So, have a dig around your shed and see what you can find!
FAQs
Will bulbs grow if planted in January?
Although experts advise planting bulbs before the end of the year, there’s no harm in trying to plant bulbs in January. Some bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, may still grow as you’d hope – but it’s important to note that they will probably bloom later than bulbs that were planted in November or December.
So, if you want a guaranteed garden for spring, it’s best to try to plant your spring bulbs in late autumn.
Can I plant tulips in December in the UK?
The best way to plant tulip bulbs in December is to plant them in pots. This way, you can take advantage of late planting without subjecting them to frozen ground, frost, or even snow.
Generally, tulips can cope with cold temperatures, but keeping them safe in containers is the best way to protect them and give them the best chance of establishing their roots before spring comes around.
Yes, you can plant bulbs in December – but it’s probably best to get a wriggle on before it gets too cold.
