When to plant fritillaria bulbs - the best time to add these incredibly pretty blooms to your garden
Learn when to plant fritillaria bulbs and treat yourself to an array of beautiful blooms come spring


Knowing when to plant fritillaria bulbs is a must, especially if you want to create a garden bursting with blooms this spring.
Thankfully, the answer to 'when to plant fritillaria bulbs' is very similar to most other spring-flowering bulbs. So if you already know when to plant bulbs for spring, then it'll be no surprise to hear that fritillaria bulbs should be planted in autumn.
When adding fritillaria to your garden border ideas, it is also important that you know how to plant bulbs for the greatest chance of a beautiful display come April and May.
When to plant fritillaria bulbs
As with when to plant alliums and when to plant daffodils, fritillaria bulbs are best planted between September and November, advises Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres. This should ensure flowers between April and May.
There are three main types of fritillaria bulbs:
- Snake's-head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) which are characterised by white or purple bell-like flowers that feature distinctive chequerboard markings
- Crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) which are significantly larger (reaching up to 5ft) and have orange or yellow blooms.
- Persian lily (Fritillaria persica) which have tower-like stems of bells not too dissimilar to lupins.
All of these types of fritillaria bulbs should be planted in autumn and can be planted in the garden or in containers. Why not try the bulb lasagne technique for a beautiful layered display?
If it's too early for you to plant out fritillaria bulbs, then experts at J Parker's advise that you 'store the bulbs in a cool and dry place until it’s time to plant them out.'
Why should you plant fritillaria bulbs in autumn?
Planting fritillaria bulbs in autumn gives the bulbs time to establish a strong root system before the depths of winter hit. This way, the fritillaria bulbs can get a head-start on their growth and be ready to erupt in beautiful blooms once spring arrives.
Can you grow fritillaria from seed?
Bulbs are one of our favourite easy garden ideas but you can also grow fritillaria from seed. It is worth noting, however, that doing so will require patience. Fritillaria grown from seed will take several years to flower whereas bulbs will flower in the first year after planting. According to experts at Chiltern Seeds, Frtiliaria seeds can be sown undercover between March and September or under glass between October and February.
Where to buy fritillaria bulbs?
Fritillaria 'Spring Bells'
These beautiful native flowers bloom in an array of shades from greens to purples and whites and will reach a height of 30cm.
FAQs
Is it too late to plant fritillaria?
So long as it's before November, then it is not too late to plant Fritillaria bulbs.
If you plant your fritillaria out much later than this, the bulbs may not flower their best this year. However, since the bulbs don't need to be uprooted at the end of the season, the bulbs will be all ready to produce a stunning display the following year.
If you've missed the autumn planting window, then it is still worth planting them out, even if they don't perform brilliantly this year.
What is the best time to plant fritillaria?
The best time to plant fritillaria is between September and November. They can even be planted as late as December so long as the soil is still soft enough to dig.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
Holly is one of Ideal Home’s content editors. Starting her career in 2018 as a feature writer and sub-editor for Period Living magazine, she has continued this role also adding regular features for Country Homes & Interiors and the Ideal Home website to her roster. Holly has a passion for traditional and country-inspired interiors – especially kitchen design – and is happiest when exploring the countryside and hills of the Lake District. A keen gardener, she is a strong believer that you can never have too many houseplants.
-
Kelly Hoppen reveals why she doesn’t follow home decor trends – and neither does her new timeless M&S homeware collection
The iconic interior designer's new M&S pieces will elevate your home with her signature polished style
By Sara Hesikova
-
Lidl’s £15 sun sail is everything you need to create a shady oasis in your garden – and it’s on sale right now
With two stylish colours available, the sun sail will make a chic yet practical addition to any of your garden.
By Kezia Reynolds
-
Is open-shelving a stylish storage solution or an impractical trend? Join the debate
Let us know your opinion in the comments
By Rebecca Knight
-
Lidl’s £15 sun sail is everything you need to create a shady oasis in your garden – and it’s on sale right now
With two stylish colours available, the sun sail will make a chic yet practical addition to any of your garden.
By Kezia Reynolds
-
B&M has nailed 2025's breakout garden furniture trend - it's one of the most affordable and stylish I've seen
Get the luxe look for less
By Kezia Reynolds
-
I was shocked to discover a treasure-trove of designer-look garden furniture at La Redoute on sale right now – 6 chic standouts
Give your garden that high-end look
By Sara Hesikova
-
Lidl garden range includes a genius hack to instantly make a patio look more expensive – and it's only £17
Is your patio decking looking a little tired? We suggest you head to your nearest Lidl right away
By Kezia Reynolds
-
Aldi's BBQ top pizza oven is back in time for summer – and it's even cheaper than last year
Any budding dough-spinners would be foolish to miss out on this bargain buy
By Kezia Reynolds
-
George Home's curved garden furniture collection has nailed this year’s hottest seating trend – these are our top picks from the collection
It's both comfortable and stylish
By Kezia Reynolds
-
IKEA's mini greenhouse has just launched in a stunning on-trend colourway – and it's only £15
The striking new blue colourway is perfect for seeing in the spring in style
By Kezia Reynolds
-
Habitat is selling the perfect lookalike for IKEA’s stylish garden furniture set – and it’s £870 cheaper!
IKEA's HAVSTEN outdoor furniture is sleek and stylish but not cheap by any means – but we've found an alternative
By Sara Hesikova