8 Flower Bulbs You Can Grow In Your Cutting Garden

Flower bouquets are a wonderful way to bring fresh, farmhouse vibes into your home. Problem is, flowers aren’t getting any cheaper (have you noticed?!). And I think it’s time for you and I to start growing growing our own. So here are 8 flower bulbs you can grow in your cutting garden that will return year after year! 

 

Bulbs You Can Grow In Your Cutting Garden

I recently wrote about 10 cut flowers you can start from seed. Most of the time, cut flowers started from seed are smaller and the blossoms grow in clusters. If you want the big, luscious cut blossoms, you have to plant flower bulbs in your gardens!

 

Tips on Flower Root Types

While this post is titled “8 Flower Bulbs You Can Grow In Your Cutting Garden,” I want you to know that not all flowers listed here are actually grown from bulbs.

Irises are usually started from rhizomes. Gladiolas are generally grown from corms. The beautiful dahlia is started from a tuber…and the list goes on!

The reason I’ve placed all these flowers in the same category is because they have similarities. Generally, the gardener purchases roots (bulbs, corms, rhizomes or tubers), plants them and gets a resulting perennial flower year after year.

So please note that not all the flowers listed below are true bulbs!

 

1. Alliums

1. USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
2. Growing Climate: full sun (6+ hrs per day)
3. Flower Colors: commonly shades of purple
4. Planting Time: early spring or fall
5. Flowering Period: May-July

 

2. Daffodils

1. USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
2. Growing Climate: full sun (6+ hrs per day)
3. Flower Colors: white, cream, yellow and pink
4. Planting Time: fall
5. Flowering Period: typically for 6-8 weeks in early spring

 

3. Dahlias

1. USDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
2. Growing Climate: full sun (6+ hrs per day)
3. Flower Colors: white, yellow, pink, orange, red, purple and bi-color.
4.  Planting Time:
   1.  Zones 8-11: plant in fall
   2. Zones 3-7: plant in spring after last frost; lift tubers in fall for indoor storage
5. Flowering Period: mid-summer until fall frost

 

4. Lilies

1. USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
2. Growing Climate: full sun to light shade
3. Flower Colors: white, yellow, pink, orange and red
4. Planting Time: fall or early spring
5. Flowering Period: choose from early, mid-season and late varieties
   

 

5. Gladiolus

1. USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
2. Growing Climate: full sun to partial shade
3. Flower Colors: most colors and bi-color
4. Planting Time
   1. Zones 7-10: fall
   2. Zones 3-6: in spring after last frost has passed; lift corms in fall and store
5. Flowering Period: 8 weeks

 

6. Irises

1. USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
2. Growing Climate: full sun
3. Flower Color: all colors and bicolor
4. Planting Time: late summer-early fall
5. Flowering Period: variety dependent

 

7. Peonies

1. USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
2. Growing Climate: full sun to partial shade
3. Flower Color: all colors except blue and black
4. Planting Time: fall
5. Flowering Period: 8-10 weeks
   

 

8. Tulips

1. USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
2. Growing Climate: full sun (6+ hrs per day)
3. Flower Color: every color of the rainbow!
4. Planting Time: fall
5. Flowering Period: 2-3 weeks
   

 

Where to Purchase Flower Bulbs for Cut Flowers

Unlike cut flowers you can start from seed, flower bulbs are expensive. Most of the time, you can order them in from flower garden seed suppliers. Whether the flower type prefers fall or spring planting, always place your order 4-6 months in advance to make sure the company has stock available!

It’s likely you’ll also be able to source flower bulbs at your local greenhouse or garden center. Of course, they can always answer any questions you might have about planting dates in your area!

Though less ideal than either of the above options, you can always find flower bulbs online. But please. Before you buy any of the flower bulbs listed below, make sure the variety is suitable for your growing zone! Each type includes USDA hardiness zone in the description.

1. Allium (purple)
2. Daffodil (yellow)
3. Dahlias (soft pink)
4. Lily (pink and white)
5. Gladiola (coral)
6. Iris (purple, white and yellow)
7. Peony (mixed colors)
8. Tulip (soft yellow)

 

Last Thoughts on Flower Bulbs

I have to confess that when it comes to flower bouquets, I have a soft spot in my heart for large, luscious blossoms! And while there are more types of flower bulbs you can grow in your cutting garden, these are some of my favorite, old fashioned flowers. 

If you want a list of cut flowers that will self seed, be sure to read this blog post here for 10 cottage garden options!