Planting Now for a Show-Stopping Spring: My 2025 Bulb Order

There’s nothing quite like the promise of spring hidden beneath autumn soil. Every fall, as the garden settles in for winter, I tuck hundreds of bulbs into the ground, little packets of hope that will burst into color when we need it most. This year I ordered all my bulbs from Colorblends (if you’re curious you can see last years bulb order here). The quality year over year in my opinion is the best. I focused on tried-and-true performers that create dramatic layers of tulips, alliums, and cheerful daffodils. Here’s what’s waiting to be planted for my 2026 spring show.

Tulips That Steal the Show

Toot Sweet Tulips
These romantic pink, purple and white blooms are a cottage-garden dream. If you follow me, you know they are my favorite colors. They are mid to late season bloomers and their soft candy-striped petals bring a vintage feel and pair beautifully with early spring perennials.

Shocks and Struts Tulips
For bold drama, I added Shocks and Struts, a dazzling mix of shade of pink I also wanted to add them to the mix because they will bloom earlier than Toot Sweet. Their vibrant contrast will create a painterly effect in my parterre beds and front walkway. If you want to see the blends I planted last year click here.

Statement Alliums for Late Spring

Globe Master & Ambassador
Nothing says “wow” like giant, perfectly round alliums rising above the fading tulip foliage. Globe Master and Ambassador are two of the largest purple varieties, blooming in May and early June to extend color well into summer. They also feed pollinators and dry beautifully for arrangements. Alliums bloom at different times. If you want to see what alliums bloom at different times or you want earlier blooming you can click here.

A Classic Daffodil Symphony

The Top 40 Daffodil Mix

Daffodils are the ultimate sign of spring happiness and deer do not like them, what is not to love? This Colorblends mix combines 40 of their most beautiful varieties for a long parade of cheerful yellows, creams, and whites—perfect for naturalizing around trees and along garden edges.

How I’ll Plant for Maximum Impact

• Layering bulbs – I’ll plant tulips and daffodils together in deep layers, then sprinkle allium bulbs in between to keep the bloom show going from April through June.
• Mass plantings – Large drifts of the same variety make the biggest statement, so I ordered generous quantities for each bed.
• Healthy soil prep – A quick top-dress of compost and bulb food. I use Espoma.
• Bulb Tone – It ensures strong roots before the ground freezes.

Your Turn: Start Dreaming of Spring

If you’ve been thinking about planting bulbs, now is the time, before the first hard frost. Whether you love romantic pastels like me, bold color clashes, or pollinator-friendly blooms, a little work this fall will be rewarding. You will enjoy months of spring magic. I’ll be sharing planting day updates and early spring progress on Instagram @OldCastleCottage. Come along and get inspired to create your own spring bulb spectacular.