When to plant which plants? A handy overview

Are you ready to tackle your garden but not sure when to plant which plants in the ground?
Don't panic! We're here to help!

Below you will find a handy overview that will quickly show you when to plant lavender, potatoes, strawberries, flower bulbs and more. For those who like to dive into the details, we also link to specific plant guides with extra tips.

Why are we planting at this time?

Planting at the right time is important because it plays into the natural cycle of temperature, light and moisture. By planting in the right month, you give your plants the best chance to develop roots, absorb nutrients and flower at the perfect time. For example, bulbs and tubers need a cold period to flower, while heat-loving plants such as dahlias can safely go into the ground after the last frost. Timing things right means less chance of disease and better growth!

Overview table: when to plant which plant?

Plant	Best planting month	Annual?	Distance between plants	Can it hibernate?	Cutting time
Potatoes	March - April	1 year old	30-40 cm	No	June - July
Strawberries	March - April or August	Perennial	30 cm	Yes, with protection	July - August
Amaryllis	October - November	1 year old	15-20 cm	No	n/a
Anemones	September - November	1 year old	5-10 cm	No	n/a
Begonias	May - June	1 year old	20-30 cm	No	August - September
Flower bulbs	September - November	1 year old	10-15 cm	No	n/a
Trees	November - March	Perennial	Depending on type	Yes	January - March
Dahlias	April - May	1 year old	40-50 cm	No, harvesting tubers	August - September
Freesia	October - November	1 year old	5-10 cm	No	n/a
Gladioli	April - June	1 year old	10-15 cm	No	n/a
Hydrangea	March - May	Perennial	100 cm	Yes	August - September
Hyacinth	September - November	1 year old	10-15 cm	No	n/a
Garlic	October - November	1 year old	10-15 cm	Yes	n/a
Crocuses (autumn)	August - September	1 year old	5-10 cm	No	n/a
Crocuses (spring)	September - November	1 year old	5-10 cm	No	n/a
Lavender	March - May	Perennial	30-40 cm	Yes	August
Lilies	October - November	1 year old	15-20 cm	No	n/a
Daffodils	September - November	1 year old	10-15 cm	No	n/a

Overview per plant

Potatoes

Potatoes are best planted between March and April when the soil has warmed up sufficiently. Potatoes are annual and are harvested in the summer months. They cannot overwinter. When planting, keep a distance of 30-40 cm . Cuttings are best done in June - July by keeping new seed potatoes separate.

Strawberries

Strawberries are ideally planted in March-April or in August . They are perennial and can overwinter if protected with straw or fleece. Plant them with a mutual distance of 30 cm . Cuttings can best be taken in July - August .

Amaryllis

Amaryllis blooms in the winter and is best planted between October and November . This bulb is an annual and cannot overwinter. Plant them at a distance of 15-20 cm .

Anemones

Anemones are spring bloomers and are best planted between September and November . They are annual and cannot overwinter. Keep a distance of 5-10 cm .

Begonias

Begonias are planted in May - June and bloom in the summer. They are annual and cannot overwinter. Keep 20-30 cm distance. Cuttings can be taken in August - September .

Dahlias

Dahlias are planted in April - May after the last frost. They are annual and cannot overwinter, so dig up the tubers in the fall. Keep a distance of 40-50 cm . Cuttings are made in August - September .

Flower bulbs

Flower bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are best planted between September and November . These flower bulbs are annuals and bloom beautifully in the spring. They cannot overwinter, but by removing faded flowers in time, you stimulate the energy storage in the bulb. Keep a distance of 10-15 cm when planting .

Trees

Trees are best planted between November and March , as long as it is not freezing. Trees are perennial and can overwinter well. Give young trees a mulch layer around the trunk for extra protection. The planting distance depends on the species. Cuttings are best taken in January - March .

Freesia

Freesias are best planted between October and November for a fragrant spring bloom. They are annual and cannot overwinter. Keep a planting distance of 5-10 cm .

Gladioli

Gladioli are planted in the spring, between April and June . They are annuals and bloom in the summer. They cannot overwinter. Keep a planting distance of 10-15 cm .

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are best planted in the spring, between March and May . They are perennial and can overwinter well. In cold winters, it is best to cover the base of the plant with leaves or compost. Keep a distance of 100 cm . Cuttings can be taken in August - September .
Hydrangeas like an acidic soil. Use special potting soil for the best chance of success.

Hyacinth

Hyacinths are planted in the fall, between September and November . They are annuals and bloom in the spring. Hyacinths cannot overwinter. Keep a planting distance of 10-15 cm .

Garlic

Garlic is best planted in the fall, between October and November . Garlic is an annual and can survive the winter well. Give the plants a mulch layer as extra protection. Keep a planting distance of 10-15 cm .

Crocuses (autumn)

Autumn crocuses are best planted in the summer, between August and September . They are annual and flower that same autumn. Keep a planting distance of 5-10 cm .

Crocuses (spring)

Spring crocuses are best planted between September and November . They are annual and flower in early spring. Keep a planting distance of 5-10 cm .

Lavender

Lavender is best planted in the spring, between March and May . Lavender is perennial and can survive the winter well. Prune the plant lightly before winter to maintain its shape. Keep a distance of 30-40 cm . Cuttings can be taken in August .

Lilies

Lilies are planted in the fall, between October and November . They are annuals and bloom in the summer. Lilies cannot overwinter. Keep a planting distance of 15-20 cm .

Daffodils

Daffodils are best planted in the fall, between September and November . They are annuals and flower in early spring. Daffodils cannot overwinter. Keep a planting distance of 10-15 cm .

Tulips

Tulips are beautiful spring bloomers that are best planted between September and November . They are annuals and need a cold period to flower well. Plant the bulbs at a depth of about twice their own height and keep 10-15 cm distance between the bulbs.
Tulips cannot overwinter. Do you want sturdy flowers in the spring? Then make sure you remove the faded flowers in time so that the energy goes to the bulb.

Timing is everything!

With this handy guide you will know exactly when to plant which plants in the ground. Want to know more about specific species?
Click through to our extensive plant guides for additional tips and tricks. Good luck and enjoy your green fingers!