Enter your garden bed's Length and Width, pick a Bulb Type and Planting Pattern, and the Bulb Spacing Calculator tells you exactly how many Total Bulbs you need — plus your Total Area, Spacing Used, Bulbs per Square Foot, and the Recommended Planting Depth for your chosen bulb.
Total Bulbs Needed
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Total Area
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Spacing Used
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Bulbs per Square Foot
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Recommended Planting Depth
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Fall is the ideal time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses. These bulbs need a cold winter period to bloom properly in spring.
Spring is perfect for planting summer-blooming bulbs such as gladiolus, dahlias, begonias, and lilies. These tender bulbs cannot survive freezing temperatures.
The general rule is to plant bulbs at a depth that's 2-3 times their height. Larger bulbs like tulips go 6-8 inches deep, while smaller bulbs like crocuses need only 3-4 inches.
Daffodils, crocuses, and alliums are excellent choices for beginners. They're hardy, deer-resistant, and naturalize well, coming back year after year with minimal care.
Plant daffodil bulbs in fall, ideally 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes. In most areas, this means September through November, depending on your climate zone.
Yes! Most bulbs grow well in containers. Use well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has drainage holes. Container bulbs may need winter protection in cold climates.
For irregular shapes, break the area into smaller rectangular sections and calculate each separately, then add the totals together. This calculator works best for rectangular areas.
Add bulb fertilizer or bone meal when planting, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring when shoots emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.