Best Bulbs to Plant in November in the UK
A chill is in the air, the leaves are mostly gone, and the garden is starting to look a bit bare. It might seem like the gardening season is over, but November is a surprisingly busy and crucial time for anyone dreaming of a vibrant spring display. This is your last chance for some serious bulb planting.
Getting your bulbs into the ground now sets the stage for a spectacular show of colour from late winter through to early summer. It’s a simple act of faith in the seasons, tucking these small, unassuming packages into the cold earth, knowing they hold the promise of future flowers.
This guide will walk you through the best bulbs for November planting in the UK. We’ll cover everything from classic tulips and alliums to lesser-known gems that will bring your garden to life. So, grab your trowel, a warm coat, and let’s get planting. Your future self will thank you for it when those first shoots of green appear.
Why Plant Bulbs in November?
You might think you’ve missed the boat, but November is an excellent month for planting certain bulbs. Here’s why this late-autumn window is so beneficial for UK gardening.
It’s All About the Chill
Most spring-flowering bulbs, especially tulips, need a long period of cold weather to trigger their flowering process. This is known as vernalisation. Planting in November ensures they get the necessary “chill time” over winter. If you plant them too early, a mild autumn could confuse them, leading to weak growth. November planting helps sync their internal clocks perfectly with the seasons, ensuring they emerge strong and ready to flower at just the right time.
Avoiding Pests and Diseases
Tulips are particularly susceptible to a fungal disease called tulip fire, which thrives in warmer, damp soil. By waiting until the first frosts have cooled the earth, you significantly reduce the risk of this disease taking hold. The colder temperatures kill off the fungal spores, giving your bulbs a healthier start in life. It’s a simple, natural way to protect your future blooms.
Taking Advantage of Deals
Let’s be practical—gardening can be expensive. By November, garden centres are often looking to clear out their remaining bulb stock to make way for Christmas decorations. This can mean fantastic end-of-season discounts. You can often buy high-quality bulbs for a fraction of their original price, allowing you to fill your garden with more flowers for less money. Who doesn’t love a bargain?
It’s a Great Excuse to Get Outdoors
As the days get shorter and greyer, it can be tempting to stay indoors. But spending even a short amount of time in the garden can be a huge boost for your mental and physical wellbeing. November bulb planting provides a clear, satisfying task that connects you with nature. It’s a peaceful, meditative activity that rewards you not just in the moment, but for months to come.
The Best Bulbs for November Planting
Ready to get your hands dirty? Here are the top winter bulbs you can confidently plant this month for a stunning spring garden.
Tulips (Tulipa)
Tulips are the undisputed stars of the spring garden, and November is their prime planting time. Waiting until now helps prevent tulip fire disease and ensures they get the cold spell they need. With thousands of varieties available, you can create any look you desire.
- When they flower: April to May.
- Planting tips: Plant them deep—about three times the bulb’s height. This helps them stand up straight and encourages them to return year after year. They need well-drained soil and a sunny spot to perform their best. Try planting them in large groups or “drifts” for a dramatic, natural-looking display.
- Varieties to try:
- ‘Queen of Night’: A famous, almost-black single late tulip that adds drama and sophistication.
- ‘Apricot Beauty’: A fragrant, single early variety with soft salmon-pink petals.
- ‘Ballerina’: An elegant, lily-flowered tulip with pointed, orange petals and a sweet scent.
Alliums (Ornamental Onions)
With their striking, globe-shaped flower heads perched on tall, slender stems, alliums add a touch of architectural elegance to any garden. They are fantastic for bridging the gap between late spring and early summer.
- When they flower: May to June.
- Planting tips: Alliums need a sunny spot and well-drained soil to prevent the bulbs from rotting. Plant them at a depth of about four times the bulb’s diameter. Their leaves can start to look a bit scruffy before the flowers appear, so it’s a good idea to plant them amongst other perennials, like geraniums or grasses, to hide their foliage.
- Varieties to try:
- ‘Purple Sensation’: The classic allium, with vibrant violet-purple globes. A reliable and impressive performer.
- ‘Globemaster’: Produces enormous, densely packed flower heads that can reach up to 25cm in diameter.
- Allium sphaerocephalon (Drumstick Allium): Smaller, egg-shaped flower heads that start green and mature to a deep crimson. They look wonderful woven through a border.
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Known for their powerful, intoxicating fragrance, hyacinths are a true multi-sensory delight. Their densely packed flower spikes come in a range of colours, from deep blues and purples to soft pinks and whites.
- When they flower: March to April.
- Planting tips: When handling hyacinth bulbs, it’s a good idea to wear gloves, as they can cause mild skin irritation. Plant them about 10cm deep in well-drained soil. For outdoor planting, they look best in groups at the front of borders or in containers where you can appreciate their scent up close.
- Varieties to try:
- ‘Delft Blue’: A classic, porcelain-blue variety with a strong, sweet perfume.
- ‘Pink Pearl’: A vibrant, deep pink that brings a splash of cheerful colour.
- ‘White Pearl’: Pure white flowers that are perfect for a classic, elegant look.
Crocuses (Crocus)
Crocuses are one of the earliest signs of spring, often pushing their way through snow to bloom. They are perfect for naturalising in lawns or under trees.
- When they flower: February to March.
- Planting tips: Plant them in large drifts for the most impact. They don’t mind being planted in lawns, but if you do this, make sure you don’t mow the grass until their leaves have died back completely. This allows the bulb to store enough energy for the following year’s flowers.
- Varieties to try:
- Crocus vernus ‘Pickwick’: A large-flowered Dutch crocus with striking purple stripes on a white background.
- Crocus tommasinianus: A slender, delicate species that is great for naturalising and is more squirrel-resistant than others.
Your Toolkit for November Planting
You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to get your bulbs in the ground. Here are the essentials:
- Trowel or Bulb Planter: A sturdy hand trowel is perfect for digging individual holes. If you’re planting a large number of bulbs, a long-handled bulb planter can save your back.
- Gardening Gloves: To keep your hands clean and protect them from soil and potentially irritating bulbs like hyacinths.
- Kneeling Pad: A simple foam pad will make the job much more comfortable.
- Watering Can: Give your newly planted bulbs a good water to help them settle in.
- Bulb Fibre (for pots): If you’re planting in containers, use a specialist bulb compost or add grit to a multi-purpose compost to improve drainage.
Make Your Garden Glorious
Planting bulbs in November is a simple yet profoundly hopeful act. It’s an investment in the future beauty of your garden and a wonderful way to connect with the rhythm of the seasons. By choosing the right winter bulbs and giving them a good start now, you are ensuring a succession of colour and life from the first days of spring.
Whether you opt for the dramatic elegance of tulips, the architectural poise of alliums, or the cheerful scent of hyacinths, the effort you put in now will be rewarded tenfold. So, embrace the crisp November air and get planting. A vibrant, flower-filled spring is just a few months away.
