Experts have shared the flowers that you should be planting now if you want a fully-bloomed garden in time for summer. Dahlias and lilies are among the flowers that need to be planted right away so that your garden is looking ready for the sunnier months. That is according to the gardening experts at Primrose, who say that the ideal time to plant your summer blooms is between February and April, so ideally in mid-March.

During this time of the year, temperatures start to gradually rise, making it warm enough for these flowers to survive, thrive, and grow into their most colourful glory in time for summer. Before this, though, seeds should be stored in a cool dry place. When spring hits in March, they can be planted into warm, moist soil.

In an interview with House Beautiful, nursery manager at Somerset-based Ashridge, John Collins shared: “March is the best month to start planting summer-flowering bulbs, as the temperatures are slowly rising and the soil is warming up.

“The ideal soil temperature for summer bulbs is around 13 degrees, planting them in colder soil may lead to root rot or prevent them from growing.”

According to Primrose, a company that has been selling outdoor garden products for more than 20 years, the flowers that should be planted around now in time for summer are:

Dahlias

Lilies

Gladioli

Crocosmia

Iris

Peonies

Meanwhile, garden experts have been sharing the essential flowers to have in your garden to create that lovely cottage feel. Cara Thompson of @makeitflourish on TikTok posted a video showing the blooms she chose to make her garden look its best, including purple loosestrife, cornflowers, poppies and lupins.