Remove from the packaging and plant your bulbs out into their final flowering position as soon as possible after receipt. If this is not possible, keep in a cool dry place until you are ready for planting. The bulbs should feel firm when gently pressed.
Bulbs supplied 'In the Green' have produced young shoots and are therefore more advanced than normal bulbs and are thus suitable for later planting. Bulbs such as Snowdrops and Bluebells often establish better when planted 'In the Green', after the bulbs have flowered.
On arrival make sure that the roots are damp. If they seem dry, moisten the moss and allow to stand for an hour before planting. If unable to plant immediately, stand in a cool, well lit place out of direct sun and don't allow the roots to dry out.
When planting do not remove any foliage attached to the bulbs, as this will die away naturally during the summer. Plant as directed for individual variety, ensuring the clumps are planted firmly.
Heights of varieties
Heights for many of the bulbs can vary due to their variety. Often the height will have been previously advised in our sales literature. However, we also include a height guide for most varieties where possible.
Preparation
Bulbs are best grown in a well-drained soil in a warm, sunny position. Sandy soils offer the best success for growing bulbs, however you may need to add organic matter to the soil before planting to improve the nutrient levels. Clay soils may require some grit incorporated into the soil before planting to improve drainage
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Spacing & Planting Depth
Although measurements are included in the text for each specific variety, a general rule of thumb for planting bulbs is to space them by about five times their own width (larger specimens should be planted to three times their own width). For natural effects, scatter the bulbs randomly and plant where they fall. The planting depth of bulbs should be two or three times the depth of the bulb. By planting at the recommended depth, taller varieties will need less staking and support from sticks and twines.
Planting
Dig a planting hole suitable for your bulb, and lay a bed of coarse sand in the base of the soil for the bulb to sit on to improve drainage and to give added protection against fungal diseases. Push the bulb into the hole well to avoid any air pockets below the bulb as this can cause rotting. Replace the soil into the hole. Water in well and continue to water but only lightly, as the soil should never become waterlogged. You may also wish to give a weak feed every 3-4 weeks.
Maintenance & Aftercare
Newly planted bulbs may rot if the compost becomes sodden or over-wet through heavy watering, as they cannot absorb the moisture. Water well after planting, but then only water bulbs when the compost is dry. Once the bulbs produce shoots, watering can then be increased to boost development.
Regular removal of dead flower heads will improve their vigour and preserve their energy for next year as energy will not be wasted on seed production. You should also allow the dying foliage of your bulbs to die back completely before removing. Do not cut down the foliage or tie in knots. It is unfortunate that decaying foliage looks unattractive, however you need to leave this in order to ensure that the bulbs perform well the following year.
General Pest & Disease Problems
Bulbs are generally free from pests & disease. The most common problems are rot and fungal growths on stored bulbs. Plant bulbs as soon as possible to avoid this, or dust with a recommended fungicide prior to any storage period. Always discard bulbs that are soft or show signs of infestation at lifting or planting time. Bulbs may sometimes fail to flower as they become overcrowded in later years, in this case you should lift and divide the clumps and replant with more spacing. This should be done after all growth has died back.
