Flowering Bulbs in February
February is the point where the bulb calendar turns its attention from spring to summer. The main autumn-planting window is firmly closed, but a large and varied range of summer-flowering bulbs and tubers are ready to go now. Starting them in February, whether in pots indoors or outside in mild spells, gives them the longest possible growing season before they flower in summer and early autumn.
Dahlias are the headline genus this month. Alongside them, February suits anemones, spider lilies, glory lilies, oxalis, and a range of more unusual tender and half-hardy genera that benefit from an early start.
Quick wins in February:
- Start dahlias in pots indoors in February for the strongest plants and earliest flowering
- Anemone corms can go into the ground in mild spells or be started in pots for earlier colour
- Lily bulbs can still be planted in February for summer flowering
- Spider lilies, oxalis, and other tender genera are best started under cover now and planted out after frosts
- Peonies and hellebores can still go in during workable spells as winter planting continues
What Bulbs Can You Plant in February?
February suits two distinct groups. The first is summer-flowering bulbs and tubers that benefit from an early start indoors, where they can establish roots and begin growth before being planted out after the last frosts. The second is genera with winter planting windows that continue into February, including lilies, peonies, and hellebores.
In February, look out for bulbs that:
- Are classified as spring-planting or winter-to-spring-planting (check each product page)
- Can be started in pots indoors if the ground is still frozen or waterlogged
- Are tender or half-hardy and need to be kept frost-free until late spring
- Flower in summer or early autumn rather than spring
Top 6 Bulbs for February Planting
Dahlia: The most important February planting opportunity of the year. Starting tubers in pots indoors in February gives them a long establishment period before they go outside after the last frosts, typically late May in most UK gardens. Use a pot with good drainage, plant the tuber with the crown just below the compost surface, water sparingly until growth appears, and keep in a frost-free place with good light.
Anemone coronaria: Anemone corms can go directly into the ground in February during mild spells, or be started in pots indoors for earlier and more reliable flowering. Soak corms overnight before planting to rehydrate them, then plant at around 5 to 8cm depth in well drained soil or compost. They flower from late spring onwards and make excellent cut flowers.
Lilium (Lilies): February is still within the planting window for lily bulbs, which can go into well drained soil or deep pots with a gritty, free-draining compost. Plant at around three times the bulb's depth and avoid waterlogged ground, which is the most common cause of failure.
Lycoris (Spider Lilies): Lycoris are unusual and striking late-summer flowering bulbs that produce spidery, strap-petalled flowers on bare stems in August and September, before the foliage appears. They are best started in pots in February and kept frost-free until conditions allow planting out, or grown in containers long-term in a sheltered spot. Plant with the neck of the bulb just above the compost surface.
Oxalis: These varieties offer something genuinely different: clover-like foliage in shades of green and deep purple, with delicate flowers in pink, white, and yellow. Most are planted as small corms in spring for summer and autumn interest. They work well in containers, rock gardens, and at the front of sunny borders. Plant corms at around 5cm depth in well drained soil or compost.
Gloriosa (Glory Lily): One of the most striking summer-flowering climbers you can grow from a tuber. They produce exotic, reflexed flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow from midsummer onwards and climb using leaf-tip tendrils to around 1.5 to 2 metres. Start tubers in pots indoors in February, laying them horizontally in compost at around 5cm depth, and keep in a warm, frost-free spot with good light. Plant out or move containers to a sheltered sunny position after the last frosts.
Planting Tips for February Bulbs
Start tender bulbs indoors: Dahlias, glory lilies, spider lilies, and other tender or half-hardy genera should be started in pots indoors in February rather than planted directly outside. A frost-free greenhouse, conservatory, or warm windowsill works well. They can be planted out or moved outside after the last frosts, typically late May in most parts of the UK.
Water sparingly until growth appears: Newly potted tubers and bulbs need very little water until they begin to show growth. Overwatering in cold conditions is the most common cause of rot at this stage. Start with light watering and increase as growth develops.
Use deep pots for dahlias: Dahlia tubers need room to develop. Use pots at least 20 to 25cm deep, plant with the crown just below the surface, and keep in good light to avoid leggy growth before planting out.
Handle glory lily tubers with care: Gloriosa tubers are brittle and the growing tip can be damaged easily. Handle gently, plant horizontally, and avoid breaking the ends of the tuber when placing in compost.
Anemone corms can be soaked first: Dry anemone corms benefit from soaking in water for a few hours before planting. This rehydrates them and gives a faster start. Plant with the pointed end down where identifiable; if unsure, plant on their side and they will self-correct.
Aftercare Made Simple
For dahlias started indoors, keep in a frost-free spot with good light and water sparingly until shoots appear. As growth develops, water more regularly and begin feeding with a balanced liquid feed once the plant is actively growing. Do not plant outside until after the last frosts.
For lilies planted in February, mark the position clearly and avoid disturbing the area until growth appears. They are slow to emerge and can take several weeks to show above ground.
For anemones, once growth is underway they need very little attention beyond keeping the soil from drying out completely. They will flower from late spring and continue for several weeks, particularly if deadheaded regularly.
