As the days slowly get longer and temperatures rise, the season for early bloomers begins. These first plants, which unfold their flowers in late winter or early spring, bring color to the garden and ensure a natural spring awakening. But which early bloomers are there, when do they bloom, and how can you plant them correctly? In this article, we answer these and other questions about spring bloomers.
What early bloomers are there?
Early bloomers, also called spring bloomers or spring flowering plants, are plants that open their flowers early in the year. They specialize in taking advantage of the short days and low temperatures before other plants bloom. Here are some of the most well-known early bloomers:
- Snowdrops (Galanthus ): Often bloom in February and are one of the first signs of spring.
- Crocuses (Crocus): These colorful flowers appear between February and April and are particularly easy to care for.
- Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) : With its yellow flowers, it provides a splash of color in the garden as early as January.
- March cup (Leucojum vernum) : These white bellflowers usually bloom in March.
- Tulips (Tulipa) : They are among the most popular early bloomers and show their flowers from March or April.
- Daffodils (Narcissus) : Also known as daffodils, they bloom in bright yellow from March to May.
- Scilla siberica : With its intense blue flowers, it enchants gardens from March onwards.
- Hyacinths (Hyacinthus) : These fragrant spring bloomers appear in April and May.
- Primroses (Primula) : These robust early bloomers come in many different colors and often bloom in late winter or early spring.
Many of these early bloomers reproduce themselves by producing new bulbs or seeds. Snowdrops, crocuses, squills, and primroses, in particular, spread over time to form beautiful carpets of flowers.
How do the early bloomers differ?
Early bloomers differ in several aspects, including flowering time, site requirements and growth type:
1. Flowering time : Some early bloomers such as snowdrops and winter aconites appear as early as January and February, while others such as tulips and hyacinths do not bloom until March or April.
2. Growth type : Some early bloomers, such as snowdrops and crocuses, spread through their bulbs and eventually form dense carpets. Others, such as hyacinths, tend to produce single, distinctive flower stalks.
3. Location : Many early bloomers prefer sunny to partially shaded locations and can also cope with cooler temperatures.
When can you buy early flowering bulbs?
The best time to buy early-blooming bulbs is late summer to fall (August to November). During this time, garden centers and online retailers offer a wide selection of flower bulbs. Buying early offers the largest selection and can secure the most beautiful varieties.
When and how do I plant early flowering bulbs?
To ensure that early bloomers unfold their full splendor in spring, their bulbs should be planted on time and correctly:
- Planting time : The ideal planting time for early-blooming bulbs is autumn (September to November). The bulbs require a cold period to develop their flowering power to its full potential.
- Location : Early bloomers prefer well-drained, humus-rich soils. A sunny to partially shaded location is ideal.
- Planting depth : The general rule is to plant bulbs twice as deep as their own height . Snowdrops and crocuses, for example, are planted about 5-8 cm deep, while tulip bulbs are planted 10-15 cm deep.
- Distance : A distance of 5-15 cm should be maintained between the bulbs, depending on the species.
- Care : After planting, it's best to lightly firm the soil and water during dry weather. After flowering, the leaves should be left standing until they wither on their own, allowing the bulb to gather strength for the next year.
Conclusion
Early bloomers are the perfect plants for bringing spring into the garden. From snowdrops to daffodils to tulips, there's a wide selection of colorful spring-blooming bulbs that bloom at different stages of spring. Plant your bulbs in the fall and you'll be treated to a vibrant display of flowers the following spring. With the right planting time, the right location, and a little care, these spring-blooming bulbs will bring joy year after year.
