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Can I plant spring bulbs now?

8 years ago

Last week I brought some bulbs that were on discount at the shop, I got Rockery and Blumex tulips, daffodils (dwarf ones), and snowdrops Galanthus. I saw space that they would look good in, so that's why I brought them, does anyone think they will be any good to plant? The Tulips bulbs have little green sprouts coming out, and the Snowdrops bulbs are still firm. I live in the UK and although still cold, it's starting to warm up a bit, even if they don't bloom, as long as they sprout some green that's fine. Anyone that's had any experience would be really helpful thanks.

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Comments (5)

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
You have no option but to plant them now and cross your fingers. They will be difficult to keep until the Autumn.

Snowdrops are over in much of the country and daffodils are in full swing. In future I wouldn't shop for the garden anywhere that still has bulbs on display in the Spring. Chances are they have not been well stored since last September. But if they were really incredibly cheap it's worth a punt. If they do grow this year they might settle down to the correct bloom time for next Spring. The daffodils will be most likely to work. Snowdrops can be temperamental from dry bulbs and tulips often don't return after their first year. Blumex is a Parrot and that is not a good bet for coming back. The rockery varieties are more likely to survive.
keithog thanked floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
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keithog
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for your help, I will plant the on Friday when I have a day off. I wasn't going to buy any spring bulbs now, but I saw places where I could add them to the other spring bulbs I planted last year. They were also in good condition and firm, not mushy. Hopefully they'll at least grow and have some foliage, not worried if they don't flower.
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You don't say where Mom's house is. Lyrcoris radiata (surprise lilies) are rated as hardy to zone 7 with protection. I'll let you be the judge. The daffodils (recently dug, I assume) will likely do better if you keep them in a cool dark place until fall to plant. The (bearded?) irises should be fine to move now. Most glads are only winter hardy to zone 8. You can usually get away with deeper planting and mulch in Zone 7b. As for the others, if they are growing, certainly plant them. If the bulbs are still firm, plant them. If they are dried up and very light for their size, or if they are soft, toss them. The Caladiums are tropical. They must be dug and stored over winter. There are many kinds of elephant ears, but I know of none that are winter hardy above zone 7. Freesias are winter hardy to zone 8. Acidanthera to zone 7. I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to move to the sweet sunny south! :)
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Oh, don't worry, you'll like spring bulbs :). Once planted, they require almost no care and most are so indescribably beautiful. Yes, plant them now, but you can keep planting until the ground freezes. Even after that you can pour water on the ground to defrost, then plant. Summer bulbs, like dahlias, take a bit more effort but are also very rewarding. One other thing: pay attention to heights and bloom times (and to a lesser extent, sun requirements, although you can often get away with sun-lovers under deciduous trees). Try to put together combos that bloom at the same time- like scilla and Tete a Tete daffodils (one of my favorites). More advice, since you asked :). Plant early-spring, late-winter bulbs like dwarf iris, giant crocus, chinodoxa, galanthus (snowdrops), eranthus (winter buttercup) etc. These little flowers are so dratted cheery at the end of winter, they just lift your heart. Especially since you may not be used to harsher winters. Also, beware of invasive spreaders like Ornithogalum (Star of Bethlehem), ipheon, and to a lesser extent, muscari. You can't get rid of them. Have fun!
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bossyvossy
8 years ago
Galant his might

vloom next year and thereafter. Daffies and tulips--doubtful but a typical fardener will plant and hope for a good ourcome
keithog thanked bossyvossy
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
8 years ago
In the UK climate the daffodils are the most likely to bloom next year. Snowdrops might be OK but tulips are unlikely to bloom, although they will probably produce foliage.
keithog thanked floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
PRO
keithog
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for the information guys! I planted all of them today, so hopefully they will at least show some foliage soon. I know I'll probably won't get any blooms on them this year. I also had crocus bulbs that I planted too.

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