Get a head start on this year’s garden by planting summer-flowering bulbs indoors.

April is a perfect month to pot a few varieties for planting in the garden once the danger of frost has passed, which is usually mid to late May.

English Gardens bulb collection for 2022 include a vast selection of more than 180 varieties, including Begonias, Caladiums, Cannas, Dahlias, Elephant Ears, Gladiolas, Lilies and many more. Learn about our new varieties here.

Planting from bulbs or tubers is more economical than purchasing finished plants, and you have a larger selection of varieties which from to select.

To start bulbs indoors, use 6-inch or 8-inch pots, a lightweight planting soil, bulbs, and plant labels. Read the directions for planting on each bulb package. The general rule is three times the depth of the height of the bulb. For Dahlia tubers, do not plant the crown deeper than the soil level.

Once the bulbs are planted, thoroughly water them. This will help signal to the dormant “bulb” it is time to spring to life. At this stage, pots need warmth and water.

When new growth begins to emerge, watch carefully. Treat them like houseplants when it comes to watering, allowing them to dry out a little before watering again. Fertilize twice a month with a water-soluble fertilizer.

When the first leaves are BEGINNING to separate from the shoot, move the plants to a bright, but indirectly lit window. Plants should not be planted outdoors until the danger of frost has passed. But they can still get some quality time outdoors. Bulbs can visit outside if the temperatures don’t dip below 50 degrees. Never expose them to frost! Overnight exposure is out of the question, unless it is in the garage, and the temperature will not drop below 45 degrees. It is best to wait until May for any overnight trips.

Continue to fertilize and expose plants to the outdoors. When the weather allows, usually mid to late May, transplant them into the garden. Stake the plants if necessary, but be careful not to damage the bulb!

Remember, do not allow the plants to be exposed to frost, or all of your hard work will be undone! If frost is predicted, cover the plants with rose cones or frost guard fabric.

Follow these few simple steps and you will have beautiful summer flowers!

Learn more about our 2022 Variety of Summer Flowering Bulbs.