Gardeners should plant two flowers this month to get beautiful blooms all year around. Depending on how you plant them, the pretty flowers could bloom next spring or at Christmas time, so you could always have colour in the garden.
First up is daffodils, one of the most reliable spring-flowering bulbs that flower year after year with little attention. They grow well in containers and borders, and they are quick and easy to plant, so even the most novice of gardeners can enjoy the bright spring blooms next year. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advised planting daffodil bulbs in early autumn, ideally in September.
Just be sure to set them at the correct depth in the ground, which is around three times the bulb’s height, to ensure they flower for years to come.
In September, you can also plant ‘forced’ daffodil bulbs, which are spring-flowering bulbs artificially stimulated to bloom outside their natural season.
After being subjected to a cold, dark period to mimic winter conditions, a warm, bright environment inside can simulate spring. This can work with the paper-white daffodil, which the RHS said should come into flower at Christmas or New Year.
Next up are hyacinths. These gorgeous, strikingly coloured blooms brighten up any border with their shades of blue, white, pink, red and purple.
The fragrant flowers should bloom in March and April if they are planted in borders and containers in Autumn. You should try planting them closer to the house so you can enjoy their pleasant perfume.
Hyacinths prefer well-drained soil in the sun, and if they are in partial shade, they may not grow as well in the following years.
Place the bulbs around 10 cm deep with the noses facing upwards. They like a bit of room to grow, so leave a minimum gap between them of around 7.5cm, and be sure to keep the soil moist while they are growing and flowering.
