New Bulbs from West Cork Bulbs Arriving Soon at McGuaghs

Get Ready for Autumn Planting

As summer begins to wind down, it’s the perfect time to start planning ahead for a vibrant, colourful spring. At McGaughs, we’re excited to announce that our fresh stock of autumn bulbs from West Cork Bulbs will be arriving soon—just in time for the key planting months of August, September, and October.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, planting bulbs in autumn is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to guarantee a show-stopping garden early next year.

Daffodils

🌷 What to Plant in Autumn (August–October)

Here are some popular autumn-planted bulbs we’ll be stocking, perfect for Irish gardens:

August–September Planting:

  • Narcissus (Daffodils): From traditional yellow trumpets to fancy doubles and multi-flowering types, daffodils are hardy and reliable.

  • Crocus: Ideal for naturalising in grass or borders, crocus bloom early and are loved by pollinators.

  • Alliums: Ornamental onions with striking globe-shaped flowers—plant now for stunning summer displays.

September–October Planting:

  • Tulips: Wait until the weather cools a bit before planting tulips to avoid early sprouting. With hundreds of colours and forms, they’re a spring essential.

  • Hyacinths: Known for their strong fragrance and rich colours. Great for borders, pots, or forcing indoors.

  • Fritillaria: Unique and eye-catching, perfect for adding something a little different.

  • Iris reticulata: Small but stunning, these irises bloom in late winter and are perfect for pots or rockeries.

  • Snowdrops (Galanthus): Best planted "in the green," but we also stock dry bulbs in autumn for early spring blooms.

Purple Crocus Flowers

🌱 Top Tips for Planting Autumn Bulbs in Ireland

Ireland’s mild, moist autumn weather is ideal for bulb planting—just keep these tips in mind:

  • Plant in well-drained soil to avoid bulbs rotting over winter. Raised beds or containers work well if your soil tends to be heavy.

  • Depth matters: A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at 2–3 times their own depth, with the pointy end facing up.

  • Group in clusters: Plant in groups of 5–10 for a more natural, impactful look rather than spacing them out evenly.

  • Label your spots: It’s easy to forget where you planted—use markers to avoid digging them up later!

  • Feed when in flower: A light feed in early spring when shoots emerge will help bulbs bloom beautifully and store energy for next year.

Alliums Purple Flowers

🐝 Great for Pollinators

Many autumn-planted spring-flowering bulbs are early nectar sources for bees and other beneficial insects. Crocus, alliums, and certain types of daffodils and hyacinths are especially valuable when little else is in bloom.

🌾 Why Buy from West Cork Bulbs at McGaughs?

We proudly source our bulbs from West Cork Bulbs, known for top-quality, carefully selected varieties that are perfectly suited to Irish growing conditions. When you shop at McGaughs, you're getting bulbs that are fresh, local, and chosen with Irish gardens in mind.

🛒 Visit Us Soon!

Our new range of autumn bulbs from West Cork Bulbs will be landing soon—don’t miss your chance to pick up your favourites while stock is fresh. Whether you're planting for spring colour, wildlife support, or just some garden joy, we’ve got everything you need at McGaughs.

Pop in, have a chat with our expert team, and let’s get planting!

July 17, 2025
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