How to Care for Spring Bulbs

Caring for Spring Bulbs While They’re Flowering

Light: bright but gentle

Spring bulbs love light, but not heat. Place them somewhere bright with plenty of natural daylight, ideally near a window. Avoid radiators, fireplaces or very warm rooms, as heat will cause them to flower too quickly and fade sooner.

A cooler room will reward you with longer-lasting blooms.

Watering: less is more

Bulbs dislike sitting in wet compost.

• Water lightly when the top of the compost feels dry

• Ensure pots have drainage where possible

• Never allow bulbs to stand in water

A good rule of thumb is to water little and often rather than soaking them.

Turn the pot regularly

Bulbs naturally lean towards the light, which can cause them to grow crooked. Turning the pot every few days helps stems stay straight and balanced – a simple trick florists use all the time.

Keep them cool for longevity

If you want your bulbs to last as long as possible, keep them in a cool spot, especially overnight. Cooler temperatures slow the flowering process and extend their display.

What To Do When the Flowers Fade

This is where many bulbs meet an untimely end – but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Once the flowers fade, gently remove the spent flower head.

Do not cut the leaves off.

Those leaves are essential. They continue photosynthesising and feeding the bulb, storing energy for next year’s growth.

Keep watering… for now

Continue watering lightly while the foliage is green. Over time, the leaves will yellow and naturally die back. This can take several weeks and requires a little patience – but it makes all the difference.

How to Get Spring Bulbs to Flower Again Next Year

Once the foliage has completely died back, you have two main options.

Option 1: Plant them in the garden (recommended)

This is the best way to encourage bulbs to re-flower.

• Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot

• Plant bulbs at a depth of around 2–3 times the height of the bulb

• Allow them to settle in and follow their natural cycle

Many bulbs prefer being outdoors after flowering and will often return stronger over time.

Option 2: Store and replant in autumn

If you don’t have garden space:

• Lift the bulbs once the foliage has died back

• Store them somewhere cool, dry and dark

• Replant in the garden or containers in autumn

Bulbs that have been forced to flower indoors may not bloom the following spring. Some take a year off to recover – and that’s perfectly normal. When they do return, the flowers are often stronger and more resilient.

A Slower, More Sustainable Way to Enjoy Flowers

Caring for bulbs beyond their first flush of flowers is a small but meaningful act of sustainability. It encourages us to slow down, observe nature, and value plants beyond their initial display.

With a little care and patience, those spring bulbs can become part of your garden story for years to come.