Fall-Planted Bulbs for Spring Color
Fall is a great time to plant bulbs, corms and other seasonal favorites for beautiful blooms in the months ahead. From classic Narcissus and colorful Ranunculus to fragrant Freesia and unique Saffron Crocus, fall-planted varieties can bring color, fragrance and interest to garden beds, containers and cutting gardens.
New Varieties for Fall 2026
New bulbs and fall-planted favorites have arrived! This season, look for exciting varieties for colorful spring blooms, fragrant flowers, cutting gardens and more.
- Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus) – Beautiful purple blooms with edible red stigmas that can be harvested and dried to make your own saffron.
Narcissus ‘Flower Drift’ – Softly fragrant, creamy double blooms with tangerine centers; an excellent cut flower.- Narcissus ‘Double Fashion’ – Sweetly fragrant, creamy-yellow double blooms with rust-orange centers; also excellent for cutting.
- Narcissus ‘Replete’ – Fragrant ivory blooms with beautifully ruffled peachy-salmon centers.
- Freesia ‘Double Pink’ – Very fragrant double pink flowers that make beautiful cut flowers.
Ranunculus ‘Pastel Mix’ – Layers of softly colored blooms that are especially well-suited to cutting garden.- Camassia Mixture – Grass-like foliage and sturdy stems topped with distinctive flowers.
- ‘Pop of Sunshine’ Blend – A cheerful combination of yellow Narcissus ‘Rip Van Winkle’ and blue Chionodoxa ‘Blue Giant.’
- Narcissus Rock Garden Mixture – A fragrant mix of Narcissus varieties with different shapes and textures for a natural-looking display.
Stop by your favorite SummerWinds Nursery location to explore a wide selection of bulbs—including paperwhites and amaryllis, available seasonally while supplies last. If you're looking for a specific bulb or variety, please call ahead as availability varies daily by location, and some bulbs have already sold out.
Grow Your Own Saffron
Yes, you can grow your own saffron!
Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus) produces lovely purple flowers with bright red stigmas—the part of the flower harvested to make saffron.
When the flowers first bloom, remove the bright red stigmas from the center of each flower. Spread them on a paper towel in a warm, dry place to dry, then store your saffron in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Use your homegrown saffron to add its distinctive earthy, floral flavor to rice, paella, chicken dishes and more.
How to Plant Bulbs
Choose a location with full or partial sun, depending on the variety, and well-drained soil that does not have standing water.
As a general guideline, plant bulbs at a depth about two to three times the height of the bulb, unless the variety has specific planting instructions. Mix compost and E.B. Stone Organics Bone Meal into the soil, using about 1–2 tablespoons of Bone Meal per planting hole for individual bulbs. Refill the planting hole with soil and water deeply.
Finish with a few inches of compost over the planting area to act as mulch. You may also want to place a small marker or stake nearby so you'll remember where your bulbs are planted.
Watch: How to Plant Bulbs
Caring for Existing Bulbs
Already have bulbs growing in your garden? Established bulbs may benefit from fertilizing as they begin their active growing season. Espoma Organic Bulb-tone is a fertilizer formulated for bulbs and can help support healthy growth and beautiful blooms. Apply according to package directions, taking into consideration the type of bulb and its growing cycle.
After flowering, allow the foliage to naturally yellow and die back before removing it. This helps bulbs store energy for next season's blooms.
Not sure what your bulbs need? Our Trusted Garden Advisors can help you choose the appropriate fertilizer and provide care recommendations for your Arizona garden.
Gardening Essentials
Make planting easier with the right tools and supplies. At SummerWinds, you'll find bulb fertilizer, E.B. Stone Organics Bone Meal, compost, bulb planters, gardening gloves, hand tools, plant markers and more.
Our Trusted Garden Advisors can help you find what you need to get planting.
Beautiful for the Garden—and the Vase
Many fall-planted bulbs and corms also make wonderful cut flowers. Narcissus ‘Flower Drift,’ ‘Double Fashion’ and ‘Replete,’ along with Freesia ‘Double Pink,’ Ranunculus ‘Pastel Mix’ and Camassia, are among this season's varieties that can be enjoyed in the garden and brought indoors for fresh arrangements.
A Tip for Cutting Narcissus
When cutting Narcissus for arrangements, wear gloves, as freshly cut stems release a sap that can irritate skin. The sap can also shorten the vase life of other flowers.
Before combining freshly cut Narcissus with other flowers, place the stems in cool water by themselves for about three hours. This allows the cut ends to callus and the sap to stop flowing.
