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As spring flowers begin to fade, your garden doesn’t have to lose its spark! By planting summer-blooming bulbs like gladiolus just as tulips and daffodils are winding down, you can enjoy a seamless burst of beauty all season long!
Tulips and Daffodils are the stars of early- to mid-spring, bringing radiant color to your garden beds after the chill of winter. Varieties like Happy Generation Triumph Tulips, Orange Juice Triumph Tulips, and Thalia Daffodils shine brightly in the cooler months and are perfect for layered plantings!
As the weather warms, it’s time to make space for summer showstoppers. Gladiolus bulbs can be tucked into empty spots left behind by fading spring blooms. With their upright form and vivid colors, varieties like Titanic Gladiolus, Nova Zembla Gladiolus, and Red Balance Gladiolus take center stage!
Timing is everything when planning the transition. Gladiolus should be planted in spring, once the soil warms, while tulips and daffodils are left to die back naturally. This allows you to maximize your space while preserving the bulbs for next year!
Creating a color story is a great way to bridge the seasons. Pair soft spring tones like those in Flaming Flag Triumph Tulips with the fiery summer hues of Stormy Gladiolus or the cool purples of Purple Magic Gladiolus for a dynamic and engaging visual flow!
Need a planting strategy? Think succession planting! It’s the best way to get the most out of every inch of your garden. Here are some great combos to inspire your next layout:
Top 5 Spring-to-Summer Bulb Transitions:
- Thalia Daffodils → Ibadan Gladiolus
- Orange Juice Tulips → Titanic Gladiolus
- Flaming Flag Tulips → Purple Magic Gladiolus
- Happy Generation Tulips → Nova Zembla Gladiolus
- Mount Hood Daffodils → Red Balance Gladiolus
Don’t forget to fertilize after spring bloomers finish and again when summer bulbs begin to sprout. Once your tulips or daffodils have finished blooming, allow their foliage to yellow naturally—this helps the bulbs store energy for next year. While the leaves are still present but no longer actively growing, you can gently plant gladiolus corms a few inches away from the existing bulbs. Use a hand trowel to nestle them in between the fading foliage, being careful not to damage the dormant spring bulbs. This staggered timing allows the garden to keep blooming beautifully without skipping a beat! A healthy soil base gives all your plants the nutrients they need to bloom big and bright!
If you’re planting in containers, this transition is even easier! Tulips and daffodils can be followed by gladiolus in the same pot, provided there’s enough depth. Add some Liatris bulbs for late-season texture and height!
Want to make the most of your garden display? Here’s how to extend bloom time and ensure smooth transitions:
Top 5 Tips for a Seamless Seasonal Garden:
- Use layering techniques: Plant bulbs at different depths for staggered blooms.
- Allow foliage to fade naturally: This feeds the bulbs for next year!
- Mix bloom times: Select varieties that bloom early, mid, and late season.
- Group by color families: Create harmonious palettes that carry across seasons.
- Order in bulk: Save money and fill more space with beautiful blooms!
With just a little planning, your garden can go from spring to summer in full color and high style. Start dreaming now—and let your blooms do the talking!
