When to plant which plants? A handy overview

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

Below you'll find a handy overview that quickly shows you when to plant lavender, potatoes, strawberries, flower bulbs, and other plants. For those who prefer to delve into the details, we also link to specific planting guides with additional tips.

Why are we planting right now?

Planting at the right time is important because it allows you to respond to the natural cycle of temperature, light, and moisture. By planting in the right month, you give them the best chance to develop roots, absorb nutrients, and bloom at the perfect time. Bulbs and tubers, for example, need a period of cold to flower, while heat-loving plants like dahlias can only be safely planted after the last frost. Good timing means less risk 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 annuals and are harvested during the summer months. They cannot overwinter. When planting, maintain a spacing of 30-40 cm . Cuttings are best taken in June and July by setting aside new seed potatoes.

Strawberries

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

Amaryllis

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

Anemones

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

Begonias

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

Dahlias

Plant dahlias in April-May after the last frost. They are annuals and cannot overwinter, so harvest the tubers in the fall. Keep a distance of 40-50 cm . Take cuttings in August-September .

Flower bulbs

Flower bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are best planted between September and November . These bulbs are annuals and bloom beautifully in spring. They cannot overwinter, but removing spent flowers promptly stimulates energy storage in the bulb. When planting, maintain a distance of 10-15 cm .

Trees

It's best to plant trees between November and March , as long as there's no frost. Trees are perennial and can overwinter well. Mulch young trees around the trunk for extra protection. The planting distance depends on the species. Cuttings are best taken in January and March .

Freesia

Freesias are best planted between October and November for fragrant spring blooms. They are annuals and cannot overwinter. Maintain 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. Maintain a planting distance of 10-15 cm .

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are best planted in spring, between March and May . They are perennials and can overwinter well. In cold winters, it's best to cover the base of the plant with leaves or compost. Keep a distance of 100 cm . Cuttings can be taken in August and September .
Hydrangeas prefer 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. Maintain a planting distance of 10-15 cm .

Garlic

It's best to plant garlic in the fall, between October and November . Garlic is an annual and can overwinter well. Provide the plants with a layer of mulch for extra protection. Maintain a planting distance of 10-15 cm .

Crocuses (autumn)

Autumn crocuses are best planted in the summer, between August and September . They are annuals and will bloom that same autumn. Maintain a planting distance of 5-10 cm .

Crocuses (spring)

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

Lavender

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

Lilies

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

Daffodils

Daffodils are best planted in the fall, between September and November . They are annuals and bloom in early spring. Daffodils cannot overwinter. Maintain 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 require a period of cold to bloom well. Plant the bulbs at a depth of about twice their height, and keep a distance of 10-15 cm between them.
Tulips can't overwinter. If you want robust flowers in spring, make sure to remove spent blooms promptly so the energy goes to the bulb.

Timing is everything!

This handy guide will help you know exactly when to plant which plants. Want to learn more about specific varieties?
Click through to our comprehensive planting guides for additional tips and tricks. Good luck and enjoy your green thumb!