🌷 How to Plant Bulbs in November in Scotland: A Late Autumn Gardener’s Guide
- info673
- Nov 10
- 4 min read
November in Scotland may feel like the gardening season is over — the days are short, the air is damp, and frost creeps into the mornings. But don’t pack away your trowel just yet! This is still a wonderful time to plant spring-flowering bulbs. With a little care and the right timing, you can fill your garden with colour when winter finally gives way to spring.
Whether you’re in the Highlands, the Central Belt, or along the coast, here’s everything you need to know about planting bulbs in November in Scotland.
🌼 Why Plant Bulbs in November?
You might think November is too late, but in much of Scotland, you can still plant bulbs successfully — as long as the ground isn’t frozen solid. In fact, planting later can sometimes be beneficial:
Tulips prefer cooler soil and are less likely to suffer from fungal diseases like tulip fire when planted after October.
Bulbs are tough! They can handle the cold as long as they aren’t sitting in soggy ground.
End-of-season sales make it the perfect time to grab a bargain and fill gaps in your borders or containers.
If you’ve missed the “ideal” autumn window, don’t worry — November is your last chance to get bulbs in before winter truly sets in.
🌷 Which Bulbs Can You Plant in November in Scotland?
Here are some hardy bulbs that can still go into the ground in November:
Tulips – The perfect late-autumn bulb; plant them now for a spectacular May display.
Daffodils (Narcissus) – Still fine to plant in early November in most areas.
Crocuses – Cheerful and early-flowering, ideal for naturalising in lawns or under trees.
Alliums – These dramatic, globe-shaped flowers thrive in Scottish gardens.
Hyacinths – Great for pots and planters, adding fragrance as well as colour.
💡 Tip: Avoid planting bulbs that are soft or showing signs of mould — choose firm, healthy ones for the best results.
🪴 Preparing the Soil
Scottish soils vary from heavy clay to light, sandy loam, but one rule always applies: good drainage is essential. Bulbs left in cold, waterlogged soil will rot before spring arrives.
Steps:
Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot.
Loosen the soil with a fork or spade to about 20 cm deep.
Add grit or sand to improve drainage if you have heavy clay.
Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to give the bulbs a nutrient boost.
If you’re planting in pots, use a mix of compost and horticultural grit to keep things airy and free-draining.
🌱 How to Plant Bulbs Step by Step
The golden rule for planting bulbs is simple:
Plant bulbs about three times as deep as their height.
Here’s how:
Dig a hole or trench to the right depth.
Place bulbs pointy side up, flat side down.
Space them out about two bulb-widths apart.
Cover with soil, firm gently, and water lightly if the soil is dry.
For a natural look, scatter bulbs over the ground and plant them where they fall. For a neater display, line them up in rows or clusters.
💡 Extra Tip: Add a thin layer of grit under each bulb if your garden is particularly wet — it helps prevent rot.
❄️ Protecting Bulbs Over Winter
Scotland’s winter can be harsh, so give your bulbs a little protection:
Mulch the area with bark, compost, or leaves to insulate against frost.
Cover pots with fleece or bubble wrap and move them against a sheltered wall.
Use wire mesh or netting if squirrels or birds tend to dig in your garden.
With a bit of care, your bulbs will quietly root through the winter, ready to burst into life as soon as the temperatures rise.
🌸 Looking Ahead to Spring
By March, the first shoots of crocuses and daffodils will begin to emerge, bringing a splash of colour to your garden just when you need it most. Tulips and alliums follow in April and May, creating that iconic Scottish spring spectacle.
So even though it’s chilly now, your efforts in November will pay off in a few months with vibrant blooms that remind you spring is on its way.
🪻 Bonus: Bulbs to Plant in Pots
If you have limited space or want easy colour on your doorstep, try planting bulbs in containers. Great choices include:
Miniature daffodils (‘Tête-à-Tête’)
Iris reticulata
Muscari (grape hyacinths)
Crocus varieties
You can even layer them — large bulbs like tulips at the bottom, smaller ones like crocuses on top — for a “lasagne” of blooms that flower in succession.
🌿 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Planting bulbs in waterlogged soil
Not planting deep enough — shallow bulbs may freeze or get dug up
Forgetting where you planted them — use markers or draw a quick plan
Leaving bulbs exposed to frost before covering them
🌼 Final Thoughts
November might not seem like prime gardening season, but it’s one of the most rewarding times to plant. With just a little preparation and patience, your Scottish garden will reward you with colour and life when spring returns.
So pull on your gloves, grab a trowel, and make the most of these last few weeks of autumn — your future self will thank you when the daffodils bloom. 🌷
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