🌼 What Bulbs to Plant in April for Summer Blooms

As the soil warms and spring fully settles in, April is the perfect time to dig in and plant summer-flowering bulbs that will bring vibrant color and joy to your garden during the hottest months of the year. These bulbs love the warming days and will reward you with show-stopping blooms in late spring through summer.

Here’s a list of bulbs to plant in April, along with some care tips to help them thrive:

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🌷 Dahlias

Bold, beautiful, and available in nearly every color and size, dahlias are a must-have for any summer garden. Whether you love the dinner-plate varieties or the charming pom-poms, dahlias are show-stoppers.

• Planting tip: Plant dahlia tubers in well-drained soil and full sun after the danger of frost has passed.
• Bloom time: Midsummer through first frost.
• Care: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Taller varieties may need staking.

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🌺 Gladiolus

Known for their tall, spiky blooms, gladiolus add vertical interest to beds and borders. They’re fantastic for cutting gardens, too!

• Planting tip: Plant the corms 4–6 inches deep in groups every couple of weeks in April and May for a longer blooming season.
• Bloom time: 8–12 weeks after planting.
• Care: Keep soil moist during the growing season, and support with stakes if needed.

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🌸 Lilies

Oriental and Asiatic lilies bring elegance and fragrance to the summer garden. They’re perfect for borders and containers.

• Planting tip: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Plant bulbs about 6 inches deep.
• Bloom time: Early to late summer, depending on the variety.
• Care: Mulch to keep roots cool, and water during dry spells.

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🌿 Crocosmia

These fiery red, orange, or yellow blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. With sword-like foliage, they’re a great textural plant.

• Planting tip: Space bulbs 3–4 inches apart in a sunny location.
• Bloom time: Midsummer to late summer.
• Care: Water regularly and divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.

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🌼 Calla Lilies

Sleek, trumpet-shaped flowers in a rainbow of colors, calla lilies work well in containers or flower beds.

• Planting tip: Choose moist, rich soil and a partly shaded spot.
• Bloom time: Late spring through summer.
• Care: Keep soil moist and fertilize monthly during the growing season.

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🌹 Tuberous Begonias

Ideal for shaded patios or hanging baskets, these lush bloomers bring color to low-light areas.

• Planting tip: Start tubers indoors in pots, then move them outside after frost.
• Bloom time: Summer through fall.
• Care: Protect from direct, hot sun. Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy.

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🐝 Bonus Tip: Add a Pollinator Twist

Plant summer bulbs alongside wildflowers or herbs like lavender, basil, or echinacea to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Not only will your garden look stunning, but it’ll also be buzzing with life.

April is your moment to dream in color! With just a little digging now, you’ll have a garden bursting with summer beauty in a few short months. Get your bulbs in the ground, grab a glass of sweet tea, and start counting down the days to blooms!

Happy planting! 🌸🌿