Growing flowers from bulbs is actually one of the easiest, no-fail forms of gardening there is. But over a lifetime of planting bulbs of all kinds, I’ve learned a few tips along the way.

They’re available only once a year and, unfortunately, so many gardeners miss out on these spectacular fall bulbs. Fall blooming crocus are quite a novelty in our autumn gardens and a nice forerunner ...

The autumn crocus has a long history as a poison. Greek slaves were known to eat the plant to make them sick and even to commit suicide. Besides its use as a poison, autumn crocus bulbs have long been ...

The saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), a native of Italy and eastward into Turkey, is the most well known of the fall-blooming bulbs. Saffron is highly prized as the world’s most expensive spice.

For flowers grown in the ground, use a bulb planter to punch 20 or 30 holes into the planting site, aiming for a natural spread. Sarah noted the importance of measuring the holes to ensure they ...

Autumn-flowering crocuses, a.k.a. “the showy crocus”, have only three stamens and neat, papery corms. Now you know. Story continues below ...

GOOD FOR CUTTING One of the most spring-like autumn bulbs is Sternbergia lutea. Glossy, dark green leaves accompany yellow crocus-like flowers, often into November.

Plant autumn crocus bulbs 2 to 3 inches deep in rich, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The best effect is achieved by planting large clumps of bulbs about 6 inches apart.

Some late-blooming crocus varieties planted around the yard can transform autumn into a second spring, providing a welcome burst of colour as other flowers fade and the leaves begin to fall.

They’re available only once a year and, unfortunately, so many gardeners miss out on these spectacular fall bulbs. Fall blooming crocus are quite a novelty in our autumn gardens and a nice forerunner ...