Spring is the perfect time to plan your summer garden, and if you’re looking for spectacular blooms that last well into autumn, March is an ideal month to plant certain bulbs. While many spring-flowering bulbs should be planted in fall, there are several summer-blooming varieties that thrive when planted in early spring. Let’s explore the six best bulbs to plant in March that will reward you with a vibrant color display lasting until the first frost.
Dahlias: The showstoppers that bloom until frost
Dahlias are undoubtedly the crown jewels of the summer garden. With their dinner-plate sized blooms in virtually every color imaginable, these tubers create a spectacular display from mid-summer until autumn’s first frost. Plant dahlia tubers in March when soil temperatures have warmed slightly, about 4-6 inches deep in well-drained soil.
“Dahlias are the ultimate garden performers,” says garden expert Dr. Emily Watson. “Their incredible diversity in size, form, and color means there’s a dahlia for every garden style, and their long blooming period makes them unmatched for continuous color.”
Lilies: Elegant towers of fragrance
For vertical drama and intoxicating scent, lilies are unbeatable. Plant lily bulbs in March to enjoy their magnificent blooms from June through August. Asiatic lilies flower earlier in summer, while Oriental varieties provide spectacular blooms later in the season, ensuring months of continuous color.
- Plant 6-8 inches deep in well-drained soil
- Space bulbs 8-12 inches apart
- Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade
Gladiolus: The dramatic spires
Gladiolus corms planted in March produce towering flower spikes that add dramatic vertical interest to any garden. These versatile bulbs come in a rainbow of colors and make excellent cut flowers. Plant gladiolus every two weeks from March through June for continuous blooms throughout summer and into autumn.
Like a natural fireworks display, gladiolus shoots colorful blooms skyward, creating visual excitement in even the most ordinary garden bed. Their staggered planting schedule ensures your garden maintains its spectacular show through the seasons.
Begonias: Shade-loving color machines
For those challenging shady spots in your garden, tuberous begonias offer unmatched color. Plant begonia tubers in March for continuous blooms from summer until frost. Their rose-like flowers in vibrant shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white brighten up darker corners of your garden.
“Begonias are the secret weapon for shade gardens,” notes horticulturist James Miller. “They provide the same brilliant color as sun-loving plants but thrive where others struggle. Their ability to bloom continuously until autumn makes them invaluable.”
Cannas: Tropical flair that lasts
For a tropical ambiance that persists into autumn, plant canna rhizomes in March. These bold plants feature large, paddle-shaped leaves and vibrant flower spikes in red, orange, yellow, and pink. Cannas continue blooming until frost, making them perfect for creating that vacation vibe at home.
- Plant 4-6 inches deep after danger of frost has passed
- Choose a full-sun location for best flowering
- Water regularly for optimal growth
Crocosmia: Hummingbird magnets with staying power
Crocosmia corms planted in March produce arching stems with fiery red, orange or yellow tubular flowers from mid-summer into fall. These South African natives are drought-tolerant once established and attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden.
I’ve compared these spring-planted bulbs to performance testing different vehicles – some are showy but short-lived, while others like crocosmia deliver reliable, long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.
When planting these bulbs, remember that scientific precision can make all the difference. Just as researchers carefully measure their results, gardeners should follow proper planting depths and spacing for optimal results.
With proper planning, your March-planted bulbs will create a garden that performs efficiently throughout the seasons. Like technology upgrades that improve performance, these bulbs will transform your garden with minimal effort required after planting.
Are you ready to create a garden that dazzles from summer until the first frost? By selecting these six versatile bulbs and planting them this March, you’ll enjoy a growing display that continues to impress long after many gardens have faded. Just as universities cultivate talent, your garden will nurture these spectacular bloomers for months of colorful rewards.