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How Supplied
Our bulbs will be delivered fresh and healthy. There should be firm, not soft. Some bulbs may arrive with slight mould patches, but this is completely normal and can be brushed off. If you suspect that your bulbs are faulty, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Once your bulbs arrive, take them out of their packaging (including bags) and lay them out on newspaper so they can breathe. This is so they don’t excessively sweat in their containers, ruining the bulbs. Leave somewhere cool and dry until it’s time to plant them.
What We've Included
When to Plant | Where to Plant | How to Plant | When will they flower | After Care |
Common Issues | Inspiration
When to Plant
Snowdrops arrive from us in two different ways. They’re supplied as either small bulbs, around 4/5cm in circumference, or as bulbs in the green (this means that their leaves have started to grow, making establishing an easy task).
Bulbs in the green should be planted as soon as possible, around early spring (February-March). Dry bulbs can be planted in mid-Winter (October-November).
Our bulbs and bulbs in the green will be delivered fresh and healthy. They should be firm, not soft. Some of our dry bulbs may arrive with slight mould patches, but this is completely normal and can be brushed off. If you suspect that your bulbs are faulty, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Where to Plant
Snowdrop bulbs can be planted around the border, in containers, and through grass/lawns. They are both easy to grow and maintain, ideal for both beginners and low-maintenance garden owners.
Snowdrops hate sitting in dry soil and may die if kept in dry conditions throughout the year. Position them in dappled shade. This is why they achieve wonderful results when planted under trees, as they receive both sun and shade!
How to Plant
If you have ever seen Snowdrops in the wild whilst on a walk, then you would have noticed that they grow prolifically in drifts through grass. They can also be grown at the front of borders and in containers. But for the best results, we recommend growing Snowdrops in groups, regardless of where you decide to grow them!
Borders
1. For planting in groups, dig a trench instead of individual holes around 10cm deep.
2. Pop each bulb into their holes, pointed side up. Space each bulb twice its width apart.
3. Cover with soil and pat down gently. Do not step on the area, as it can damage the bulbs.
Containers
Although Snowdrops can be planted in containers, they do not enjoy dry soil and may need repotting each year to ensure they remain healthy.
1. Fill the pot with any peat-free compost until you’ve reached its halfway point.
2. As a rule of thumb, bulbs should be planted about 10cm from the top of the pot.
3. Place your bulbs on top of the soil, spaced apart by twice the bulb’s width.
4. Cover with compost to the top of the pot. Break up any lumps as you go.
5. Gently press the soil so that it’s nice and flat.
6. Make sure you place your pot on feet to allow the moisture from the pot to escape.
In Grass
Plant your Snowdrops in grassy areas under trees and shrubs for a lovely woodland effect.
If planting dry bulbs, grab a handful of them and throw them onto the area that you’d like to grow them and plant them where they land. Snowdrops will naturalise when grown in grass, doubling the number of flowers grown each year!
Plant as you would in beds and containers – Bulb pointy side up, 3 times the depth of the bulb.
Bulbs in the green are slightly different, as they already have their foliage. Handle them with care and plant individually in groups through grass. They should be planted as soon as they arrive.
Watch Our Video On How to Plant Snowdrops
Watch: How to Plant Snowdrops
When will they Flower?
Snowdrops are some of the earliest blooms to flower in late winter and early spring. Some may even appear in late December. But usually, they will flower from January and through to March.
If you are unsure, check the flowering information on the product page as it will indicate what months that specific plant or flower will appear.
After Care
When to water
If the soil is dry, water your Snowdrops. As the spring season in Britain is usually quite damp, the rain can also water your bulbs for you! If we’re having an abnormally dry season, then you can water them once a week, or again, if the soil is dry.
What to do once they’ve finished blooming
Unlike other spring bulbs, Snowdrops can be left alone. Let the flower and foliage die back completely, especially before mowing the grass If planted there. Continue watering the area if the soil is dry.
Deadheading
Deadheading snowdrops isn’t necessary. They will thrive happily when left alone, as long as they don’t get too compact once naturalised.
Storing tips
As Snowdrops naturalise when left to grow, they produce several new bulbs. If they get too compact, it can sometimes affect the growth of the original bulbs when it goes to flower.
To mitigate this, we suggest lifting and dividing these daughter bulbs every few years and replanting them elsewhere.
Directions:
1. Gently uncover the bulbs using a small spade or fork. Be careful not to pierce or damage the bulbs while doing this.
2. Brush off any remnants of soil and dirt gently. If the bulb feels a bit squishy, it could be a sign of damage or disease and is best thrown away.
3. Replant the new bulbs directly into their new area or pot up in individual small pots until ready to plant in mid to late autumn.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Grey Squirrels ruining your displays?
Grey squirrels love to dig up bulbs. In borders, plant your bulbs in an aquatic basket and cover them with chicken wire. In containers, simply cover with chicken wire. You can remove this wire once the plant emerges from the ground.
Want to Know even more about Snowdrops?
Take a look at our helpful blogs
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