November may seem like the tail end of the gardening season, but it’s actually the perfect time to plant spring bulbs. Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, alliums, and crocus—these bulbs, often referred to as "nature's miracle," have everything they need to grow stored inside them. With a bit of care and planning, they’ll reward you with stunning blooms come spring.
Here are some tips and tricks for planting spring bulbs in November, ensuring a vibrant display when winter comes to an end.
WHY BULBS ARE NATURE’S MIRACLE
Bulbs are often called nature's miracle because they contain the plant’s complete life cycle within a tiny, self-sufficient package. Inside each bulb is the flower-to-be, encased in layers of nutrient-rich tissue that will fuel its growth. With the right conditions—cooling in winter and warming in spring—they break dormancy, sending out roots and shoots that burst into colour as the weather warms. The miracle is in their simplicity and resilience: no fertilizer required. Once planted in the right sunny environment, bulbs will flower with little intervention, offering gardeners an easy and reliable way to bring beauty to their gardens year after year.
TIMING IS KEY: WHY NOVEMBER WORKS (IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE)
Although spring feels far off, November is an ideal time to plant bulbs. Bulbs need time to establish roots before the ground freezes, and planting them in late autumn gives them just that. Cooler soil temperatures, ideally between 4-10°C (40-50°F), allow bulbs to settle in without sprouting prematurely. November’s chill is perfect for encouraging root growth while preventing early shoots that might suffer frost damage.
Planting now also allows bulbs to experience the cold period they need. Many spring-flowering bulbs, such as tulips and hyacinths, require a winter chill to trigger their spring growth cycle, making November the last optimal window in many regions. Tulips can be planted as late as January for spring growth, and many say the later the better to avoid “tulip fire” disease.
TIPS FOR PLANTING SPRING BULBS IN NOVEMBER
1. Choose the Right Site: Select a sunny location with well-drained soil. Waterlogged soil can cause bulbs to rot, so consider raised beds, pots, or adding compost if your soil tends to retain moisture.
2. Depth Matters: Generally, bulbs should be planted at a depth of about two to three times their height. For instance, tulip bulbs, which are about 2 inches tall, should be planted 6-8 inches deep. Daffodils and alliums also follow this rule.
3. Spacing: Give bulbs room to grow. Plant tulips and daffodils about 3-6 inches apart, while alliums, with their larger blooms, need about 8-10 inches of space.
4. Pointy Side Up: Plant bulbs with the pointed end facing up. This is where the shoot will emerge from, and placing it correctly ensures the flower will have an easier time pushing through the soil in spring. Fun fact: bulbs are so resilient they will often find their way even if planted upside down, but the flowers won’t be as tall.
5. Water After Planting: This will help settle the soil and kickstart root growth. Once winter sets in, nature will take care of them until spring arrives.
6. Add Mulch: A layer of mulch can help regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. It also protects bulbs from temperature fluctuations in warmer climates.
NATURALIZING BULBS: GET MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
"Naturalizing" bulbs means planting them in such a way that they’ll come back year after year, multiplying and spreading naturally without needing to be dug up or divided. Daffodils, crocuses, scilla and some alliums are perfect for naturalizing, as they can thrive and reproduce in the same spot for years. By planting bulbs in informal drifts or clusters, they’ll create a more natural, meadow-like appearance, adding to the charm of your spring garden with minimal effort.
Crocus, snowdrops and scilla will be the first to pop through, followed by daffodils, tulips and hyacinths. Finally, in late June, alliums will appear. Bulbs are one of nature’s simplest yet most rewarding miracles—and by planting them now, you’re already setting goals and intentions for a beautiful new year.
Related: How to Force Bulbs indoors for Early Blooms
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