Ourdoor, Plants
November 10, 2025

A Bulb Calendar: Winter vs Summer (When to Plant)

South Africa’s Bulb Calendar: Winter vs Summer (Plus September & Autumn FAQs)

Looking for a simple, local guide to bulb planting in South Africa? Here’s your one-page playbook from Lowensvlei Flower Farm. We’ll compare winter/spring-flowering bulbs (planted in autumn, Mar–May) with summer-flowering bulbs (planted in spring, Sep–Nov), add a September quick-start, and finish with storage/overwintering tips and a month-by-month table.

South African seasons at a glance
Autumn = March–May · Winter = June–August · Spring = September–November · Summer = December–February.
Coastal Western Cape is winter-rainfall; many inland regions are summer-rainfall—adjust watering and frost timing accordingly.

When to plant summer bulbs in South Africa?

Plant once soils warm and the last frost risk has passed. In Cape Town and other coastal gardens, September is a reliable start; in colder interiors, October is safer. Start here:
• Shop Summer Bulbs → https://lowensvlei.co.za/product-category/summer-bulbs/
• Dahlias → https://lowensvlei.co.za/product-category/summer-bulbs/dahlias/
• Gladioli → https://lowensvlei.co.za/product-category/summer-bulbs/gladioli/
• Zantedeschia (Calla) → https://lowensvlei.co.za/product-category/summer-bulbs/zantedeschia/

Quick tip: Dahlias like warm soil (±15 °C). If it’s still chilly, start tubers in pots under cover and transplant once they sprout. For a deep dive, see our guide: “Ultimate Guide to Planting and Caring for Dahlias in South Africa” → https://lowensvlei.co.za/ultimate-guide-to-planting-and-caring-for-dahlias-in-south-africa/

When to plant bulbs in South Africa (general rule)?

Winter/spring bloomers (Daffodil, Hyacinth, Tulip*, Dutch Iris, Freesia, Anemone, Ranunculus) → Plant in autumn (Mar–May).
Summer bloomers (Dahlia, Gladiolus, Canna, Zantedeschia, Eucomis) → Plant in spring (Sep–Nov).

*Tulips/Hyacinths are typically pre-chilled by SA suppliers. Plant them promptly in cooled soil; don’t stash them till spring. Browse the range: Winter Bulbs → https://lowensvlei.co.za/product-category/winter-bulbs/

September guide

What flowers to plant in September in South Africa?

Bulbs: Dahlias, Gladiolus (sun), Zantedeschia (sun to semi-shade), Lilies (sun/bright shade), Begonias (shade/containers).
Annuals/Seeds: Petunia, Impatiens, Gazania, Marigold, Zinnia, Sunflower, Nasturtium (warm spots).
Perennials: Gaura, Salvia, Echinacea in warmer zones.

Explore our September picks:
• Shop Dahlias → https://lowensvlei.co.za/product-category/summer-bulbs/dahlias/
• Shop Gladioli → https://lowensvlei.co.za/product-category/summer-bulbs/gladioli/
• Shop Zantedeschia → https://lowensvlei.co.za/product-category/summer-bulbs/zantedeschia/
• Ultimate Guide to Summer-Flowering Bulbs (2025/26) → https://lowensvlei.co.za/ultimate-guide-to-summer%E2%80%91flowering-bulbs-in-south-africa-2025%E2%80%9126/
• Plant Summer Bulbs in September (Lowensvlei’s guide) → https://lowensvlei.co.za/plant-summer-bulbs-in-september-lowensvleis-guide-to-a-vibrant-spring/

What seeds to plant in September in South Africa?

Zinnia, Marigold, Cosmos, Sunflower, Basil, Coriander (cooler/coastal), Parsley, Dill. Use a fine, well-drained seed mix; keep moist (not soggy) till germination.

What is the best flower to plant in September?

If you want fast colour: Zinnia (sunny borders) or Petunia (containers).
For cut flowers: Dahlia (tuber) and Gladiolus (corms) are spring must-haves.

What to do in the garden in September (South Africa)?

Prep beds: compost + light organic feed; loosen compacted soil.
Start irrigation checks and mulch to stabilise spring moisture.
Stake now for dahlias/gladiolus to avoid later damage.
Begin succession planting of glads every 2 weeks for blooms into late summer. See our how-to on lifting/storing glads after the season: https://lowensvlei.co.za/how-to-lift-and-store-gladiolus-corms-in-south-africa/

What are the low-maintenance flowers in South Africa?

Think resilient perennials/bulbs: Daylilies (Hemerocallis), Zantedeschia, Agapanthus, Gazania, Eucomis.

What is the lowest-maintenance flower?

For sheer toughness with colour, Gazania and Daylilies are hard to beat; among bulbs, Zantedeschia and Eucomis are set-and-forget in most gardens with drainage. Explore a favourite: Eucomis vandermerwei → https://lowensvlei.co.za/product/eucomis-vandermerwei-dwarf-pineapple-lily/

Should I plant in September?

Yes—spring is go-time. In frost-prone areas, protect tender starters or wait until October for warmth-lovers like dahlias.

“Autumn / Fall” planting (Mar–May in South Africa)

What flower bulbs should be planted in the fall?

Daffodil, Hyacinth, Tulip (pre-chilled), Dutch Iris, Freesia, Anemone, Ranunculus.
Browse winter bulbs: https://lowensvlei.co.za/product-category/winter-bulbs/

What kind of bulbs can I plant in the fall?

Same as above—winter/spring bloomers. Save Dahlia, Gladiolus, Canna, Zantedeschia, Eucomis for spring.

What is the best flower to plant in the fall?

For reliability and scent: Daffodil and Hyacinth. For showy cut flowers: Tulip (pre-chilled) and Ranunculus.
Examples from our range: Tulips – White → https://lowensvlei.co.za/product/tulips-white-10-bulbs-p-pack/ · Hyacinths – Yellow → https://lowensvlei.co.za/product/hyacinths-yellow-3-bulbs-p-pack/

What should you not plant in the fall?

Avoid tender summer bulbs (Dahlia, Canna, most tropicals) in autumn—cool, wet soils can cause rot before they ever sprout.

Which bulbs to plant now?

Use the table below, then match to your current month. In spring (Sep–Nov): Dahlias, Gladiolus, Zantedeschia, Eucomis. In autumn (Mar–May): Daffodils, Hyacinths, Tulips (pre-chilled), Ranunculus, Anemone.

Bulb care & overwintering FAQs

Can you leave flower bulbs in the ground over winter?

Often yes—especially in frost-free, well-drained gardens. In very wet winters (e.g., parts of the Western Cape) or heavy frost zones, lift tender bulbs (notably Dahlias) to prevent rot/freeze damage.

What happens if you leave bulbs in the ground?

Hardy bulbs go dormant and return next season if soil drains well. Poor drainage or deep shade after leaf-out can reduce flowering year-over-year.

What is the best way to store bulbs over the winter?

Lift after foliage has yellowed/died back.
Cure in a dry, airy place for 7–10 days out of direct sun.
Clean & label (variety/colour).
Pack in dry material (sawdust/vermiculite) in a dark, frost-free spot (±10–15 °C).
Check monthly for rot or shrivel; discard any soft bulbs.

When to remove bulbs from the ground?

Dahlias: after first frost or when tops collapse.
Gladiolus: once leaves yellow and die back, then lift and cure (guide: https://lowensvlei.co.za/how-to-lift-and-store-gladiolus-corms-in-south-africa/).
Spring bulbs (daffodil/tulip): generally leave in situ; only lift/split when clumps crowd and flowering drops.

Do flower bulbs go bad if not planted?

Yes. Bulbs are living storage organs—excess storage time = dehydration or mould. Plant close to purchase date for best results.

What to do with bulbs when finished flowering?

Let foliage die back naturally (it feeds next year’s bloom). Deadhead spent flowers, feed lightly with a balanced fertiliser, and keep the area weed-free.

Month-by-month quick view (South Africa)

Bulb group	Best planting window	Notes
Winter/spring bloomers (Daffodil, Hyacinth, Tulip*, Dutch Iris, Freesia, Anemone, Ranunculus)	Mar–May (Autumn)	Cool soils, good drainage. *Tulips/Hyacinths are usually pre-chilled—plant promptly. Browse winter bulbs.
Summer bloomers (Dahlia, Gladiolus, Zantedeschia, Canna, Eucomis)	Sep–Nov (Spring)	Plant after frost risk. Gladiolus: succession plant every 2 weeks Sep–Nov for a long cutting season. Shop summer bulbs.