April is the perfect time to plant summer-flowering bulbs, giving them the warmth they need to establish before blooming. With Ames Tools, planting is quick and efficient. Choosing the right bulbs now ensures a vibrant summer display. In this blog, discover how to plant them and my top ten plant recommendations.

How and when to plant summer-flowering bulbs

April is the ideal time to get summer-flowering bulbs in the ground, the warming soil promoting strong root development for these plants. Summer ‘bulbs’ are more varied than spring-flowering. You will increasingly see more corms, tubers and rhizomes over classic bulbs.

This is because bulbs, and sometimes corms, are often better suited to flowering in spring conditions. Tubers and rhizomes, on the other hand, are adapted to warmer climates, so store their energy differently, for hotter conditions.

Follow the below steps I recommend for planting gladioli corms, which can be applied to bulbs too:

1 – Identify a planting site

Select a sunny location with well-drained soil. If your soil is compacted, mix in horticultural grit. For containers, ensure pots have drainage holes and use peat-free multipurpose compost with added grit.

2 – Determine planting depth

Bulbs should be planted at two to three times their height—for example, a 5cm bulb should go 10-15cm deep; the same depth a gladioli corm would require. This applies to both ground and container planting.

3 – Create planting holes

Now you’ve determined the planting depths, you can make your planting holes. AMES Tools has the perfect bulb planters available to make this task as easy as possible. First, they have the Hand Bulb Planter in Carbon Steel – this one has measurements in inches in the metal, so you know exactly how much earth to remove. The wider profile of the blade is ideal for larger bulbs or corms, like gladioli.

Alternatively, the Hand Bulb Planter in Stainless Steel is perfect for small bulbs, with its narrower, long blade. It has an angled rim, making piercing into the soil much easier, with less strain. The stainless-steel material ensures less soil adhesion, easy cleaning, and rust resistance too, making maintenance much simpler.

For larger tubers and rhizomes, the Hand Transplanter in Carbon Steel is ideal, with measurements engraved onto the blade for accurate planting holes. Its pointed blade makes short work of harder ground and contoured handled curated for maximum comfort.

4 – Place the bulbs

Once you’ve made your planting holes, it’s time to position the corms. I have a great technique to make sure their positioned well, without gaps underneath. If you have air pockets underneath your bulbs, these can fill with water and cause rotting. To avoid this, I use a push-and-twist motion, like with a bayonet lightbulb. This ensures there will be no gaps, reducing the risk of rotting.

5 – Refill the soil

Replace soil using the quick-release handle on the Carbon Steel Planter or by hand. In containers, leave space for watering.

6 – Water

Water thoroughly to settle the corms. Water containers more often but avoid waterlogging.

Lily

Lilies bring elegance and fragrance to gardens. Plant bulbs 15cm deep and 15cm apart in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade. Varieties such as Lilium regale and ‘Majestic Joy’ are notable for their beauty. Ensure containers are deep enough to accommodate their roots if planting in pots. ​

Begonia

Begonias are ideal for adding colour to shaded areas. Plant tubers 2.5cm deep with the hollow side up in moist, well-drained soil in dappled shade. Varieties like ‘Glowing Embers’ and ‘Apricot Shades’ provide continuous blooms. For containers, use peat-free, multipurpose compost and ensure adequate drainage. Lift tubers before the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place over winter. ​

Crocosmia

Crocosmia offers vibrant, arching flowers. Plant corms 7-10cm deep and 7.5-10cm apart in groups to form clumps in moist but well-drained soil and full sun. Varieties like ‘Lucifer’ and ‘Emily McKenzie’ are popular choices. In colder regions, apply mulch in autumn to protect corms from frost. ​

Freesia

Freesias are cherished for their fragrance and colourful blooms. Plant corms 5cm deep and 5cm apart in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil between April and June. Varieties like Freesia lactea and ‘Golden Yellow’ are favoured. For indoor cultivation, plant corms in pots between August and December for winter flowering. ​

Nerine

Nerines bloom from late summer onwards, adding a splash of colour. Plant bulbs with the neck just above the soil surface, spacing them 10cm apart in sunny, sheltered spots with well-drained soil. Nerine bowdenii varieties typically flower in summer, including ‘Ostara’ and ‘Alba’. In colder areas, mulch for winter protection.

Ranunculus

Ranunculus produces rose-like blooms in various colours. Soak corms for 3-24 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Plant corms 3-5cm deep and 5-10cm apart in sunny locations with well-drained soil, ensuring the claw-like tips face downward. Varieties like ‘Pauline Violet’ and ‘Tecolote Orange’ are popular. In colder regions, lift tubers post-flowering for winter storage. ​

Hymenocallis

Hymenocallis thrives in full sun with moist but well-drained soil. Plant bulbs with the neck and shoulder just above the soil surface. Varieties like ‘Sulphur Queen’ offer fragrant, exotic blooms. In cooler climates, grow in containers for easy indoor overwintering.

Scadoxus multiflorus

Scadoxus multiflorus thrives in partial shade with well-drained, humus-rich soil. Plant bulbs in spring, with the neck just above the soil surface. This tender perennial produces striking, spherical red flowerheads in summer. In cooler climates, cultivate in containers to facilitate indoor overwintering.

Crinum lily

Crinum Lily thrives in full sun with moist but well-drained soil. Plant large bulbs in spring, ensuring the neck is just above soil level. Varieties like ‘Ellen Bosanquet’ and ‘Album’ offer fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms in pink or white. In cooler climates, provide winter protection or grow in containers.

Watsonia

Watsonia thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Plant corms 10–13 cm deep and 31 cm apart in autumn. Varieties like W. borbonica and W. pillansii offer vibrant spikes of pink or orange flowers. In cooler climates, protect with a deep, dry mulch in winter, or lift and store the corms.

By planting these bulbs, tubers and corms in April, you can enjoy a diverse and colourful garden throughout the summer months.