Planting Summer Flowering Bulbs: 4 Easy Tips on When, Where, and How to Plant Them

Every year, Summer sneaks up on us. One minute it’s the dead of Winter, and the next thing you know, the warm weather’s here and the Summer flowers are in full bloom. However, if you want a garden of Summer flowers, then you need to plant your Summer flowering bulbs early!

We’re bringing you 4 easy tips for planting these bulbs, including when to plant, what to plant, where to plant and how to plant them.

What is a Summer Flowering Bulb?

Summer flowering bulbs are planted in the springtime. That way, they bloom to their hearts’ content in the heat of Summer. Planting Summer flowering bulbs is a great option to make sure you have gorgeous colours all year long - not just in early Spring!

When is the Best Time for Planting Summer Flowering Bulbs in Ireland?

As per usual, when it comes to gardening, knowing the best time for planting Summer flowering bulbs in Ireland depends solely on the plant. Some bulbs prefer to be planted earlier in the Spring. Others don’t mind being planted later. Typically, though, the best time for planting Summer flowering bulbs is once the last threat of frost has passed. That means, for the most part, you can plant your bulbs between March and May.

The Different Types of Summer Flowering Bulbs

Some of the most wonderful blooms come from these Summer flowers. We’ve come up with the best Summer flowering bulbs list so you can decide which ones will look incredible in your garden!

Where to Plant the Best Summer Flowering Bulbs?

Some Summer flowers do better in certain areas than others. Depending on your designated location, you’ll want to choose the best Summer flowering bulbs for the spot so they'll thrive! 

Summer Flowering Bulbs for Pots

The great thing about Summer flowering bulbs for pots is that you can move the bulbs to the best spot for them to grow. Instead of being stuck in one part of your garden, if they start to show signs of distress, you can move them to an area better suited for them.

Below are some of the best Summer flowering bulbs for pots:

Border Dahlias

Most Dahlias grow too large to be contained in pots. This is a shame because they produce some of the most beautiful, colourful blooms. Also, with a variety of types, Dahlias can be found in all different shapes and sizes. The great news is that Border Dahlias are a smaller variety and are one of the best Summer flowering bulbs for pots. Although they have smaller blooms, these Dahlias still produce the quintessential Summer flower!

Calla Lilies

A beautiful Summer bloom that brings a piece of the tropics right to your garden, Calla Lilies come in a range of colours from the classic white to yellow, pink, purple, orange, and red. This is one reason Calla Lilies are used in so many floral arrangements! They’re one of the best Summer flowering bulbs for pots.

Dwarf Canna Lilies

Even if you live in the coldest of climates, these Dwarf Canna Lilies thrive! Not to mention, they’re a wonderful flower that attracts wildlife to your garden. Count on seeing butterflies, bees, and Hummingbirds if you plant these. Due to their small size, they make for the perfect Summer flowering bulbs for pots.

Summer Flowering Bulbs for Shade

Most Summer flowers and plants love the sun. They’re perfectly content sitting in the sunlight for most of the day. However, a select few prefer to have a break from the sun’s rays throughout the day. If you’re able to, allow these kinds of Summer flowering bulbs to have partial shade. Choose an East-facing site so they receive early morning light instead of the sun’s harsh rays in the afternoon.

If you need the best Summer flowering bulbs for shade, try one of these:

Tuberous Begonias

Want the stunning colours of Summer blooms? Then add Tuberous Begonias to your garden this year. With vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, and whites, you’ll have almost every colour of the rainbow. Tuberous Begonias are great for partially shady areas. Plus, they continuously bloom from July to September, which takes you directly from Summer to Autumn blooms.

Caladiums

These gorgeous plants are known for their large, colourful leaves. With many colour varieties, you can have an entire garden of just Caladiums. From splashes of pink and white, to swirls of red mixed with green, Caladiums are a delight to grow. Caladiums do well in a shaded garden, whether it’s partial shade or even full shade. While they are Summer flowering bulbs, the sun’s harsh rays can burn their delicate leaves.

Elephant Ears

Similar in look to Caladiums, Elephant Ears are another tropical-looking plant that you can bring to your garden oasis! These plants do well in heat and humidity, and their giant leaves take up plenty of space. Elephant Ears are excellent in full sun or in partial shade. They make great container plants if you’re looking for another Summer flowering bulb for pots. Give it plenty of water, and they’ll do just fine.

Wind-Resistant Summer Flowering Bulbs

If your garden location is on a hill or near the coast, you may run into more wind. You’ll need to find great wind-resistant Summer flowering bulbs if you want to enjoy the sights and colours of these Summer blooms.

Allium

Alliums are known for their globe-like cluster of tiny flowers. Most are a beautiful pinkish-purple colour, although some come in blue, white, and yellow. Due to the shape of their blooms, and their sturdy stems, Alliums are some of the most wind-resistant Summer flowering bulbs.

Crocosmia

Crocosmia is another showy, exotic summer bloom that comes in bright colours like red, orange, and yellow. Although Crocosmias don’t like cold, drying winds, they don’t mind the breezier, moist winds of Summer.

What You Need for Planting Summer Flowering Bulbs

To get started planting Summer flowering bulbs, you’ll need to gather your supplies first!

Tools for the Job

How to Start Planting Summer Flowering Bulbs

With your supplies all gathered, it’s time to start planting your Summer flowering bulbs. We’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you do it.

Step 1: Start Your Bulbs in a Pot

Before you start your bulbs outside, it’s a good idea to plant them in a pot first. This will give them extra warmth before they go into their ground location outdoors. Use a 25-30cm pot for your Summer bulbs. Follow the directions on the back of your bulb packet for planting depth for each bulb. Typically, that means planting the bulbs three times as deep as their width.

Step 2: Find a Well-Draining Site Outdoors

When it’s time for planting Summer flowering bulbs outdoors (once the last frost has passed), you’ll want to find the right location. Depending on your bulb, the right spot might be in full sun all day long. Others might want partial shade in the afternoon. You’ll need a well-draining site, so the bulbs and eventual root system don’t develop root rot.

Amend You Soil Mixture

Planting Summer flowering bulbs involves finding the best types of soil for plants. You may need to amend your soil mixture so it includes a balance of nutrients like fertiliser, well-draining soil, and structure.

Step 3: Plant Your Summer Flowering Bulbs

Loosen the existing soil or use bulb planting compost. In wet soil, bulbs tend to rot, so it's very important to ensure the soil is well-drained. In areas where the soil is wetter, add potting grit before using bulb compost on the ground. Place the bulb with the pointy end up and with the roots down. Gently firm in soil/compost over the bulbs. Add a light layer of mulch to prevent weeds.

Step 4: Provide Adequate After Care

After planting Summer flowering bulbs, it’s time to give them the care they need so they grow into their gorgeous blooms!

Water According to Your Summer Flowering Bulbs’ Needs

Don’t overwater your bulbs, otherwise, you’ll run the risk of rot and mould in your soil. However, most Summer blooms love plenty of water, especially if they’re in full sun. Allow the soil to dry out between each watering.

Be Sure to Clear of Weeds

Weeds will compete with your Summer bulbs for nutrients and light. Keep your flower beds clear of weeds to allow your bulbs to grow successfully.

Add Fertiliser for Nutrients

If you plan to keep your Summer flowering bulbs as perennials, you’ll need to fertilise them every month during the peak growing season. You’ll also want to add fertiliser if your soil type doesn’t offer as much naturally.

Planting Summer flowering bulbs is a sure way to keep gorgeous, colourful blooms in your garden all year long. They require planning before you plant to make sure they are successful growers, so if you’re ready to get started with your summer flowering garden, we’ve got everything you need in our Lawn and Garden section.