30 Spring Bulbs to Plant This Autumn: Early to Late Bloomers for Colour From February to May
Spring bulbs sell out fast. Not slowly, not gradually — the best varieties disappear in a matter of weeks once specialist growers open their catalogs. Tulip ‘Queen of Night’, Allium ‘Globemaster’, narcissus ‘Thalia’ — if you wait until October thinking you have time, you’ll be choosing from what’s left rather than what’s best.
Specialist growers like Crocus and Thompson & Morgan source bulbs from Dutch and UK growers who harvest once per year. There is no restocking mid-season. When a variety sells out, it’s gone until the following catalog. That makes ordering now — ideally in late summer — the single most effective thing you can do for next spring’s garden.
This guide covers 30 spring bulbs organized by bloom time, from late-winter snowdrops in Zone 3 through summer-blooming dahlias in Zone 8. For each bulb you’ll find height, bloom month, USDA zone hardiness, planting depth, and the one reason it earns a place in every well-planned garden.
Before you browse, read our September planting guide to understand the full autumn planting window — and check our complete daffodil growing guide if narcissus are a priority for you.
Seasonal Garden Calendar
Know exactly what to plant, prune and sow — every month of the year.
Earliest Spring Bulbs — February to March (Zones 3–5)
These cold-tolerant bulbs push through snow and frozen soil to deliver the first colour of the year. They are the reward for ordering in summer and doing nothing else.
1. Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
Height: 4–6 in | Bloom: February–March | Zone: 3–7 | Depth: 3 in
The original February rescue — snowdrops planted “in the green” (with leaves) establish far better than dry bulbs, so buy from a specialist who ships them that way.
2. Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)
Height: 3–4 in | Bloom: February | Zone: 4–7 | Depth: 2 in
Buttercup-yellow buttons ringed with bright green ruffs that carpet bare ground before any other plant wakes up — soak the tubers overnight before planting to improve take.
3. Crocus
Height: 3–5 in | Bloom: February–March | Zone: 3–8 | Depth: 3 in
For naturalising under trees choose C. tommasinianus (lavender-mauve, squirrel-resistant); for sheer colour impact go with large-flowered Dutch crocus in purple, white, yellow, or striped forms. Plant both.
4. Iris reticulata
Height: 4–6 in | Bloom: February–March | Zone: 5–9 | Depth: 3 in
Tiny jewel-like irises in deep purple (‘Harmony’), pale blue (‘Katharine Hodgkin’), or deep violet-black (‘J.S. Dijt’) that punch well above their 5-inch height — perfect in rockeries, pots, or at the front of borders where their intricate markings can be seen close up.
5. Cyclamen coum
Height: 3 in | Bloom: February–March | Zone: 5–9 | Depth: 1 in (plant tuber hollow-side up)
Pink or white swept-back petals above silver-marbled leaves make this the most elegant of the early bloomers — it thrives in dry shade under deciduous trees where few other bulbs succeed.
Early Spring Bulbs — March to April
The main event for most gardeners. This group carries your garden through the long weeks between winter’s end and the warmth of May.
6. Daffodil / Narcissus
Height: 6–18 in | Bloom: March–April | Zone: 3–9 | Depth: 3x the bulb height
Deer-resistant, reliably perennial, and available in hundreds of forms — dwarf ‘Tete-a-Tete’ for pots, white ‘Thalia’ for elegance, large-cupped ‘Ice Follies’ for high-volume naturalising. See our full daffodil care guide for variety selection and aftercare.
7. Muscari / Grape Hyacinth
Height: 4–8 in | Bloom: March–April | Zone: 4–8 | Depth: 2–3 in
Dense cobalt-blue spikes that work as a carpet under yellow daffodils or as a river edging paths — muscari multiply prolifically so a bag of 50 becomes a colony within three years.
8. Hyacinth
Height: 8–12 in | Bloom: March–April | Zone: 4–8 | Depth: 6 in
The most fragrant spring bulb bar none — yellow ‘City of Haarlem’, pink ‘Fondant’, and deep blue ‘Woodstock’ are the top-selling varieties from Crocus and Thompson & Morgan. Plant near a path or front door where you’ll catch the scent.
9. Scilla siberica (Siberian Squill)
Height: 4–6 in | Bloom: March–April | Zone: 3–8 | Depth: 3 in
Intense gentian-blue nodding bells that thrive in partial shade and naturalise aggressively — ideal for the difficult dry area under a mature tree or along a north-facing fence.
10. Anemone blanda
Height: 4–6 in | Bloom: March–April | Zone: 5–8 | Depth: 2–3 in
Daisy-like blooms in blue, pink, mauve, and white that open with the sun and close at night — the tubers look like dried raisins; soak overnight before planting to help them establish.
Mid-Spring Bulbs — April
April is when the tulip season truly begins and the woodland floor comes alive with some of the most enchanting smaller bulbs in cultivation.
11. Tulip ‘Apricot Beauty’ (Single Early)
Height: 14–16 in | Bloom: Early April | Zone: 3–8 | Depth: 6–8 in
Soft salmon-apricot cups that open in the first warm days of April — Single Early tulips are the most weather-tolerant class and hold their stems better in late frosts than later-flowering types.
12. Tulip ‘Negrita’ (Triumph)
Height: 18–20 in | Bloom: Mid-April | Zone: 3–8 | Depth: 6–8 in
Deep purple-red Triumph tulips that pair brilliantly with white narcissus and are consistently one of the top five best-sellers from every specialist bulb supplier — order early because they always go first.
13. Fritillaria meleagris (Snakeshead Fritillary)
Height: 10–12 in | Bloom: April | Zone: 3–8 | Depth: 3–4 in
Nodding bells in purple-and-white chequered patterns that look like silk damask — a native UK wildflower that naturalises in damp meadow grass, and one of the most distinctive spring flowers available for the North American garden.
14. Camassia
Height: 24–36 in | Bloom: April–May | Zone: 4–8 | Depth: 4 in
Tall, airy spikes of blue-violet stars that naturalise in damp borders and prairie-style plantings — camassia fills the late-season gap after early tulips and before the alliums take over, providing valuable mid-story height.
15. Erythronium (Dog’s Tooth Violet)
Height: 6–12 in | Bloom: April | Zone: 4–9 | Depth: 4–5 in (keep moist, plant immediately)
Swept-back petals in cream, yellow, or pink above glossy mottled leaves — a shade-woodland gem that pairs beautifully with ferns and hellebores but must never be allowed to dry out between purchase and planting.
Late Spring Bulbs — May
The showiest, most-photographed tulips and the architectural alliums all bloom in May, making this the peak month in any spring garden. These are the varieties most likely to sell out by September.
16. Tulip ‘Apeldoorn’ / ‘Golden Parade’ (Darwin Hybrid)
Height: 20–24 in | Bloom: May | Zone: 3–8 | Depth: 8 in
The tallest, strongest-stemmed tulip class — Darwin Hybrids reliably return for several years if left undisturbed and given a dry summer dormancy, making them the best value of all tulip groups.
17. Tulip ‘Black Parrot’ (Parrot)
Height: 18–22 in | Bloom: Late May | Zone: 3–8 | Depth: 8 in
Extravagantly fringed, lacquer-black petals with deep green flashes — Parrot tulips look extraordinary in cut flower arrangements and are consistently among the first varieties to sell out at specialist growers. Order with your first summer order.
18. Tulip ‘Ballerina’ / ‘White Triumphator’ (Lily-flowered)
Height: 22–24 in | Bloom: Late May | Zone: 3–8 | Depth: 8 in
Elegant reflexed petals in flame-orange (‘Ballerina’) or pure white (‘White Triumphator’) that sway gracefully in the breeze and look far more expensive than they are — Lily-flowered tulips are the choice of professional garden designers. See our guide to how to plant tulip bulbs for spacing and layering tips.
19. Allium ‘Purple Sensation’
Height: 24–30 in | Bloom: May | Zone: 4–8 | Depth: 4–6 in
Deep violet-purple globes on rigid stems that bridge the gap between late tulips and the giant alliums — ‘Purple Sensation’ is compact enough for small gardens and exceptionally good as a cut flower.
20. Allium ‘Globemaster’
Height: 24–32 in | Bloom: May–June | Zone: 5–9 | Depth: 6 in
Eight-inch globes of tiny purple-violet stars on strong stems — ‘Globemaster’ holds its colour for six weeks and, when left standing, provides a further two months of ornamental seedhead interest. Arguably the single most garden-worthy bulb available. Read our allium planting guide for spacing and companion planting.
We cover this in more depth in autumn colour ideas.
21. Allium christophii (Star of Persia)
Height: 18–24 in | Bloom: May–June | Zone: 4–8 | Depth: 4–6 in
Enormous 10-inch spheres made of metallic violet stars that dry on the stem to form silver-grey spheres — these seedheads are so ornamental that many gardeners spray-paint them gold for winter arrangements.
Late Spring to Early Summer — May to June
Lesser-known but no less rewarding, these four bulbs extend the spring season into early summer and work especially well in naturalistic plantings.
22. Allium sphaerocephalon (Drumstick Allium)
Height: 24–30 in | Bloom: June–July | Zone: 4–9 | Depth: 4 in
Egg-shaped burgundy-to-purple heads that start green in May and deepen through June — drumstick alliums naturalise freely in gravel or meadow plantings and are one of the most affordable specialist alliums available.
23. Nectaroscordum siculum
Height: 36–48 in | Bloom: May–June | Zone: 6–10 | Depth: 4 in
Tall stems bearing dangling creamy-white bells flushed with burgundy and green — nectaroscordum is the most architecturally dramatic of all the allium relatives and self-seeds freely enough to become a garden fixture.
24. Dutch Iris
Height: 18–24 in | Bloom: May–June | Zone: 5–9 | Depth: 4 in
Blue, yellow, white, and bicoloured cut-flower irises that bloom in the lull between late tulips and summer perennials — they perform best in the South and Pacific Northwest and should be lifted and stored in colder zones.
25. Gladiolus byzantinus
Height: 24–36 in | Bloom: May–June | Zone: 6–10 | Depth: 4 in
The hardy species gladiolus with magenta-purple flowers — unlike common gladiolus it is fully perennial in Zones 6 through 10 and naturalises through a border without lifting, making it genuinely low-maintenance.
Plant in Spring, Bloom in Summer — Tender Bulbs and Tubers
This final group is planted in spring after the last frost date (consult your USDA zone) and rewards you with summer’s biggest, most vibrant blooms. These five are the backbone of any cut-flower garden.
26. Lilies (Asiatic, Oriental, Tree Lily)
Height: 24–72 in | Bloom: June–August | Zone: 3–9 | Depth: 3x bulb height
Asiatic lilies are the easiest (no fragrance, all colours), Oriental lilies have intoxicating scent (‘Stargazer’, ‘Casa Blanca’), and Tree lilies reach 6 feet with little effort — plant in threes for maximum impact.
27. Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’
Height: 36–48 in | Bloom: July–August | Zone: 5–9 | Depth: 3–4 in
Arching sprays of vivid flame-red flowers on dramatic sword-like foliage that hummingbirds seek out — ‘Lucifer’ is one of the few plants that provides both structural foliage interest from June and brilliant colour in high summer.
28. Dahlia Tubers
Height: 18–60 in | Bloom: July–October | Zone: 8–11 (lift in colder zones) | Depth: 4–6 in
From dinner-plate types to pompon balls and single-flowered varieties for pollinators, dahlias provide more colour variety per bulb investment than any other summer flower — order named tubers now before varieties like ‘Cafe au Lait’ and ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ sell out.
29. Gladiolus (Common)
Height: 36–60 in | Bloom: July–September | Zone: 7–10 (lift in colder zones) | Depth: 4–6 in
The most reliable cut flower you can grow — stagger planting at two-week intervals from mid-April through June to extend the harvest season and ensure fresh stems right through summer.
30. Begonia Tubers
Height: 10–18 in | Bloom: July–September | Zone: 9–11 (container or annual) | Depth: 1–2 in hollow-side up
Double begonias in red, orange, yellow, pink, and white are the best shade container plant in cultivation — start tubers indoors in March for blooms by July, or order pre-started tubers from Thompson & Morgan for the fastest results.
When to Order Spring Bulbs by USDA Zone
The ideal planting window varies by zone, but the order-by date is the same for everyone: order by August for the best selection. Bulbs store well in a cool, dry place — ordering early never hurts.
| USDA Zone | Order by | Plant in Ground | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zones 3–4 | July–August | September–October | Plant early; ground freezes hard by November. Mulch with 4 in of straw. |
| Zones 5–6 | August–September | October–November | Ideal window. Most bulbs perform best in these zones without any special treatment. |
| Zone 7 | September–October | October–December | Wait for soil to cool below 50°F before planting to prevent premature growth. |
| Zone 8 | September–October | November–January | Tulips may need 6–8 weeks pre-chilling in the refrigerator (away from fruit). |
| Zones 9–10 | October | December–January | Chill tulips and hyacinths; daffodils and alliums generally perform without chilling. Choose paperwhites and early narcissus for reliable performance. |
Lasagne Planting: Months of Colour From One Container
Lasagne planting — layering different bulbs at different depths in a single pot — is the most efficient way to extend spring colour in a confined space. A single large container can produce blooms from February through May.
How to layer a 14-inch pot:
- Add 4 inches of gritty compost to the base of a pot with drainage holes.
- Layer 1 (deepest): Place 5–7 tulip bulbs with pointed tips up. Cover with 3 inches of compost.
- Layer 2 (middle): Place 5 narcissus bulbs in the gaps between the tulip bulbs below. Cover with 2 inches of compost.
- Layer 3 (top): Place 10–15 crocus corms or muscari. Cover with 1–2 inches of compost, leaving 1 inch below the pot rim for watering.
- Water in, then move to a sheltered spot. The pot will need no additional watering until green shoots emerge.
The crocus fire first (February), narcissus follow (March), and tulips close the show (April–May). This single pot provides four months of colour for less than the cost of a restaurant meal. Order the bulbs as a set from Crocus or Thompson & Morgan to ensure compatible bloom times.
Which Spring Bulbs Naturalise Best?
Naturalising means planting once and watching the colony grow. The best naturalising bulbs multiply reliably and require no annual lifting or replanting. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the following are the most reliable for long-term naturalising in North American gardens:
- Snowdrops — divide clumps “in the green” every 3–4 years to maintain vigour
- Crocus tommasinianus — self-seeds and multiplies rapidly; the best value naturalising crocus
- Narcissus (daffodils) — virtually all varieties naturalise well; plant 6 in deep and leave them alone
- Muscari — over-enthusiastic in good soil; divide every few years to prevent crowding
- Scilla siberica — self-seeds freely in light shade; will carpet the ground within 5 years
- Erythronium — slow to establish but permanent once happy; do not disturb once planted
Tulips generally do not naturalise reliably in Zone 7 and below. For a perennial tulip effect, treat them as annuals or plant deep (8–10 inches) in well-drained soil and leave the foliage to die back naturally. Darwin Hybrids return most reliably.
Spring Bulb Comparison Table
| Bulb | Bloom Time | Height | Fragrant | Naturalises | Shade OK | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowdrop | Feb | 5 in | Faint | Yes | Yes | 3–7 |
| Crocus | Feb–Mar | 4 in | No | Yes (tommasinianus) | Part | 3–8 |
| Iris reticulata | Feb–Mar | 5 in | Yes | No | No | 5–9 |
| Narcissus | Mar–Apr | 6–18 in | Varies | Yes | Part | 3–9 |
| Hyacinth | Mar–Apr | 10 in | Intense | No | No | 4–8 |
| Muscari | Mar–Apr | 6 in | Light | Yes | Part | 4–8 |
| Tulip (Darwin) | May | 22 in | No | Sometimes | No | 3–8 |
| Allium Globemaster | May–Jun | 30 in | Onion | Yes | No | 5–9 |
| Fritillaria meleagris | Apr | 12 in | No | Yes (damp) | Part | 3–8 |
| Camassia | Apr–May | 30 in | No | Yes (damp) | Part | 4–8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to order spring bulbs?
Order in July or August for the widest selection. Specialist growers — including Crocus and Thompson & Morgan — open pre-orders before harvest is complete. The most popular varieties (Parrot tulips, Globemaster alliums, snowdrop ‘Elwesii’) regularly sell out before September. Even if your planting window is October or November, placing the order now guarantees you get what you want.
Which spring bulbs are best for beginners in the US?
Daffodils (narcissus) are the most foolproof — they are deer-resistant, require almost no soil preparation, and naturalise readily across Zones 3–9. Crocus and muscari are equally reliable. Avoid tulips as a first-time choice if you are in Zone 7 or warmer, where they often fail to return in their second year without pre-chilling.
Do I need to chill spring bulbs before planting?
In Zones 3–6 you do not — winter temperatures do the work for you. In Zone 7 and warmer, tulips and hyacinths benefit from 6–10 weeks of refrigerator chilling (held at 35–45°F) before planting. According to Cornell Cooperative Extension, do not store bulbs near ripening fruit, which releases ethylene gas that damages the flower embryo inside the bulb.
Can I plant spring bulbs in containers?
Yes — and containers are ideal for Zone 7+ gardeners who want reliable tulips. Use a deep pot (minimum 12 inches), plant at the same depths recommended for in-ground, and overwinter in an unheated garage or shed in Zones 3–5. Lasagne planting (described above) gives multiple months of colour from a single pot.
How deep should I plant spring bulbs?
The general rule, as advised by Penn State Extension, is to plant at a depth equal to three times the bulb’s diameter. For large tulip and narcissus bulbs this means 6–8 inches; for small crocus and muscari corms, 2–3 inches. Deeper planting in warm zones helps maintain the cool temperatures bulbs need to break dormancy correctly.
Why do my tulips not come back every year?
Tulips are native to arid mountain steppes and require a warm, dry summer dormancy. In humid climates the bulbs rot or exhaust themselves. To improve perennial performance: plant deep (8 inches), choose Darwin Hybrid varieties, allow leaves to die back fully before removing them, and avoid watering the area in summer. Treat species tulips like T. sylvestris or T. tarda as permanent fixtures — they naturalise even in warmer zones.
