How many bulbs do I need?
Bulbs = area ÷ (spacing × spacing)
A border of 20 ft² planted with tulips 5 in apart: each bulb takes 0.17 ft², so you need about 116 bulbs, or 5 packs of 25.
Bulbs look best in generous groups. For a natural drift, scatter them by hand and plant where they land. The number per square foot stays about the same.
Planning the rest of the job? Use the Plant spacing calculator and the Garden bed calculator too.
Spacing and depth
Small bulbs: crocus, snowdrops, muscari
3 in apart (7.5 cm), 3 to 4 in deep
Tulips and daffodils
4 to 6 in apart (10 to 15 cm), 6 to 8 in deep
Alliums and lilies
8 in apart (20 cm), 6 to 8 in deep
Giant alliums
12 in apart (30 cm), 8 in deep
A good rule for depth is two to three times the height of the bulb, with the pointed end up.
When should I plant?
Plant spring flowering bulbs in autumn, once the soil has cooled. Daffodils go in first, from early autumn. Tulips do best planted later, in mid to late autumn. Summer bulbs like lilies and gladioli go in during spring.