Total Bulbs
150
Depth
6"
Cost
$45–$150
At 6 bulbs/sqft = 150 bulbs
Inputs
Result
Tulips planted at 6 per sq ft in a 25 sq ft bed = 150 bulbs. At $0.30-$1.00 each, budget $45-$150 for bulbs plus $3 for bone meal.
Inputs
Result
Crocus at 16 per sq ft creates a dense carpet. 160 bulbs at 3 inches deep, only 3 inches apart for maximum spring impact.
The general rule is to plant bulbs at a depth of 2-3 times the bulb height. Large bulbs like tulips and daffodils go 6 inches deep. Small bulbs like crocus and grape hyacinth go 3 inches deep. Always measure from the base of the bulb to the soil surface.
| Bulb | Depth | Spacing | Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulip | 6" | 5" | 6 |
| Daffodil | 6" | 6" | 4 |
| Crocus | 3" | 3" | 16 |
| Hyacinth | 6" | 6" | 4 |
| Allium | 6" | 8" | 2 |
It depends on the bulb size and spacing. Small bulbs like crocus plant at 16 per square foot for a dense carpet effect. Large bulbs like tulips plant at 6 per square foot. Dahlias, being very large, need only 0.5 per square foot (one every 2 sq ft).
| Density | Bulbs/sqft | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dense carpet | 16 | Crocus, snowdrop, muscari |
| Full coverage | 9 | Iris, anemone |
| Standard | 4–6 | Tulip, daffodil, hyacinth |
| Accent/focal | 1–2 | Allium, lily, dahlia |
Spring-blooming bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocus) are planted in fall, 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes. Summer-blooming bulbs (gladiolus, dahlia) are planted in spring after the last frost. They need warm soil to grow.
| Planting Time | Bloom Season | Example Bulbs |
|---|---|---|
| Sep–Oct | Late Winter | Crocus, snowdrop |
| Oct–Nov | Spring | Tulip, daffodil, hyacinth |
| Apr–May | Summer | Gladiolus, dahlia |
Bulk pricing ranges from $0.10 per crocus bulb to $8.00 for premium dahlia tubers. Budget about $0.30-$1.00 per tulip and $0.35-$1.20 per daffodil. Buying in bulk (25-100 packs) reduces cost by 30-50%.
| Garden Size | Budget Mix | Premium Mix |
|---|---|---|
| 25 sq ft | $30–$60 | $80–$200 |
| 50 sq ft | $60–$120 | $160–$400 |
| 100 sq ft | $120–$240 | $320–$800 |
Read our guide
Read our guide
Read our guide
Plan your perfect garden with our collection of planting and landscape tools.
Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.