5 Bulbs to Plant in September for Beautiful Spring Blooms

Written by: Vanessa Dawson

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Time to read 2 min

Spraying flowers with fungicide

September is the perfect month to get a head start on your spring garden. Planting bulbs now ensures a burst of color and fragrance once the weather warms up. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned green thumb, planting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in fall sets the stage for low-maintenance, high-impact blooms. Here are five of the best bulbs to plant in September and everything you need to know to help them thrive.

Tulips

1. Tulips

Overview: Tulips are one of the most iconic spring flowers, available in countless colors and varieties.

Why Plant Now: Tulips require a period of cold dormancy to bloom. Planting them in September allows their roots to establish before winter.

How to Plant: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Plant bulbs about 6–8 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart, pointy end up. Water thoroughly after planting.

Hyacinths

2. Hyacinths

Overview: Hyacinths are beloved for their rich fragrance and vivid clusters of flowers in pink, purple, blue, and white.

Why Plant Now: Early fall planting ensures strong root growth and prevents bulbs from rotting in overly wet spring soil.

How to Plant: Plant bulbs 4–6 inches deep and 3 inches apart in well-drained soil. Place them near walkways or entryways so you can enjoy their fragrance up close.

Daffodils

3. Daffodils

Overview: Cheerful and hardy, daffodils naturalize well and return year after year. They’re also deer and rodent resistant.

Why Plant Now: September planting gives daffodils the chill they need to bloom on time in spring.

How to Plant: Plant 6 inches deep in groups of 5–7 for a natural look. Space bulbs 3–6 inches apart. Keep them in full sun to partial shade.

Alliums

4. Alliums

Overview: Known for their globe-shaped purple flowers, alliums add architectural beauty to any garden and are pollinator favorites.

Why Plant Now: Early fall planting ensures tall, sturdy stems and larger blooms in late spring.

How to Plant: Plant bulbs 6–8 inches deep and about 6 inches apart in sunny spots with well-draining soil.

Crocus

5. Crocuses

Overview: Crocuses are among the first flowers to bloom, sometimes even pushing up through snow.

Why Plant Now: September planting allows crocus bulbs to naturalize and spread over time, creating colorful carpets each spring.

How to Plant: Plant 3–4 inches deep and 2–3 inches apart in clusters for best effect. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

The Best Products for Thriving Bulbs

Once your bulbs are in the ground, give them the best start with organic care. At Arber, we make it easy to keep your bulbs strong and resilient:

Using these products ensures your bulbs have everything they need to grow into thriving, vibrant flowers come spring.

Planting bulbs in September is one of the simplest ways to guarantee a stunning spring garden. With tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses, and alliums in the ground this fall, you’ll be rewarded with months of color and beauty. Support your bulbs with Arber’s plant-care essentials and shop our Floral Enthusiast Bundle for everything you need to nurture healthier soil, stronger roots, and brighter blooms.

Spraying flowers with Fungicide