General instructions for planting bulbs

The bulbs you receive are top-size and do not require extra nutrition at planting time. In fact, if your bulbs are planted in good garden soil which support other plants, almost no fertilizer is necessary in subsequent years either.

In poor soils a dressing of some sort can be beneficial. The best time to do so is after the sprouts have broken through in early spring. A light dressing of any good organic fertilizer or well-rotted manure will be suitable. Remember, this feeding is not so much for the benefit of the flowers soon to open as for the new bulbs developing below. More specific instructions are given for the individual bulbs where appropriate.

Always allow the foliage of your bulbs to die naturally, for it is at this time that the bulb produces the food which will carry it over to the next season.

Allium

Allium

Plant an Allium in full sun or light shade in well-drained soil. An Allium is ideal for the wild garden, but also does well in the common border where it considerably extends the flowering season for spring-flowering bulbs. For best results, plant them in groups of five or more. The bulbs can remain in place for years. Only when they grow too close together can you divide the bulbs in the autumn and replant them immediately.
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15cm deep

20cm apart

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Anemone Blanda (Windflower)

Anemone Blanda (Windflower)

The Anemone blanda prefers light shade but tolerates sun. The daisy-like flowers do well under deciduous trees or between low shrubs and perennials. The tubers root deeply and it is a good idea to loosen the soil to a depth of 20 cm. Extra feeding is usually not necessary but a small amount of leaf mold, compost or old manure every other year in the fall will benefit the flowering. Before planting, soak the tubers in water overnight, this will stimulate the root growth.
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8cm deep

10cm apart

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Begonia

Begonia

Plant the begonias with the hollow side facing upwards, just below the ground. A thin layer of soil of about 2 cm is sufficient. When planting in a border, keep a distance of 25 cm between the tubers. For pots, choose large pots, as a fully grown begonia needs a lot of space and water. A larger pot provides a better water buffer, which reduces the chance of drying out.
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2cm deep

25-30cm apart

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Camassia

Camassia

Easy bulbs, completely hardy and do best in not too dry soil in sun or light shade. A moist, slightly wild spot on the edge of a pond or stream would be perfect for Camassia but any nutrient-rich garden soil will do. Leave the bulbs alone until they grow too close together. Then dig them up in the autumn to divide and replant. Extra feeding is usually not necessary but on poor soil some compost and old manure can be added in the autumn.
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15cm deep

20cm apart

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Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow)

Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow)

Where the bulbs are left alone, Chionodoxa will easily naturalise by sowing. They thrive best in light shade and in a not too dry, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Glory-of-the-snow requires little care, but a mixture of leaf mould and old manure in the autumn every other year will ensure more and more beautiful flowers. Dig up bulbs that are growing too close together in the autumn and plant them out again immediately.
More info about Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow)

8cm deep

8cm apart

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Dahlia

Dahlia

Dahlias are summer bloomers and should be planted in spring, after the last night frost, when the soil temperature is at least 15°C. Plant the tubers about 40 cm apart for tall varieties and 30 cm for shorter varieties. For pots, choose very large pots, because dahlias need a lot of water in the warm summer months. Plant them just under the soil, about 2 cm deep.
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2cm deep

30-40cm apart

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Erythronium (Dogtooth)

Erythronium (Dogtooth)

Few tubers are as successful in brightening up dark corners of the garden as Erythronium. Plant them in any shady spot where the soil does not become too dry. They thrive in a cool, slightly loamy soil rich in organic matter, but any nutrient-rich garden soil will usually do. The tubers like to be left alone, but you can do them a favour by spreading some compost or dry leaves over them in the autumn.

10cm deep

12cm apart

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Fritillaria meleagris (Lapwing)

Fritillaria meleagris (Lapwing)

Plant the Fritillaria in large groups in soil that does not dry out quickly in the summer. They tolerate sun but naturalize best in short grass and light shade. Remember to leave the grass alone until the leaves have died in July. Extra feeding is hardly necessary but a layer of leaf mold or other rotted organic material in the fall will result in better flowering.

8cm deep

10cm apart

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Fritillaria imperialis (Crown Imperial)

Fritillaria imperialis (Crown Imperial)

These large, exotic bulbs of Fritillaria imperialis are completely hardy but sometimes do not reach their full maturity until the second year. Plant them in nutritious, deeply loosened soil with the hollow side up in full sun or light shade. They thrive best in somewhat heavy soil, on light soil it is advisable to work some organic material into the soil.

The plants look best against the background of a wall or hedge in groups of five or more. Fritillaria can use some extra nutrition and benefit from some old manure or leaf mold in the fall and a handful of fertilizer when growth starts in the spring.

15cm deep

25cm apart

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Galanthus (Snowdrops)

Galanthus (Snowdrops)

Because of their extremely early flowering, snowdrops are great for brightening up dull spots in the late winter garden. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and do well under deciduous trees for protection from the summer sun. They are the best bulbs for those small, lost corners in the garden: along the hedge, under shrubs or in the rockery.

Loosen the soil thoroughly, as they have deep roots and hate shallow planting. Extra feeding is rarely necessary, but a little compost or old manure in the fall will ensure more and better flowers.

10cm deep

8cm apart

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Hyacinths

Hyacinths

They need at least half a day of sun, both for flowering and for the leaves to ripen afterwards. An informal way to plant Hyacinths is to plant them in small groups here and there in the border. They will flower there together with Daffodils and early Tulips. Don't forget to plant some bulbs in pots around the house, you will enjoy the colours and they will spread a lovely scent. It is also possible to plant Hyacinths in tight geometric patterns in more formal beds.

It is best not to plant the bulbs in a single straight line; for best effect, plant them in rows at least four wide. Where left undisturbed, the bulbs will flower for several years in succession. However, in situations where large, uniform flowers are desired, it is better to start with new bulbs each autumn.
More info about Hyacinths

12cm deep

12cm apart

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Hyacinthoides (Bluebells)

Hyacinthoides (Bluebells)

Bluebells, as the name suggests, belong in the forest and thrive in the shade of deciduous trees and soil rich in organic material. They prefer a soil that is not too dry and has good drainage. Where trees are not too close together, they even do well between conifers. Groups of Bluebells form beautiful pictures with ferns and azaleas. Spanish Bluebells also do well in full sun (English Bluebells are less tolerant here).

Additional feeding is usually not necessary. On nutrient-poor soil, compost or leaf mold is applied in the fall. If the clumps grow too close together, they can be dug up in the fall, divided, and immediately planted out again.

10cm deep

12cm apart

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Crocus

Crocus

Plant the corms of the Crocus in a not too poor, well-drained soil in sun or light shade. For early flowering, give them a sheltered and sunny spot as possible. Crocuses are ideal for edge planting, under trees and shrubs, in pots, or for naturalising in grass. If you plant the corms in grass, this spot should be skipped during the first mowing.

Tubers that grow too close together over time can be dug up in the fall, divided, and replanted.

8cm deep

8cm apart

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Leucojum

Leucojum

In the wild, Leucojum is found in damp meadows and along the banks of pools and streams. They are therefore an excellent choice for situations where drainage is poor, such as at the edge of a pond or ditch. However, the plant thrives in any good garden soil, in sun or light shade, but rarely comes into its own in dry places. A layer of leaf mold or old manure in the fall ensures more and better flowers.

Dig up and divide the bulbs in the fall if they grow too close together and produce more leaves than flowers.

12cm deep

15cm apart

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Lilies

Lilies

Lilies need fertile, well-drained soil with a thick layer of humus. They like moist, but not too wet soil. Plant them between October and April, even during frost. Lilies can withstand cold well, provided they are not exposed to too much wind and rain. Dig a trench 10-15 cm deep, loosen the soil and add fertilizer or humus if necessary. Plant the bulbs with the point upwards and cover with soil. Keep 25-30 cm distance between the bulbs, plant them in groups of three or five.
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10-15cm deep

25-30cm apart

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Daffodils

Daffodils

To flower well, Daffodils need at least half a day of sun. Sometimes we hear that Daffodils stop flowering after a few years. The cause is almost always shallow planting, which means that the roots cannot absorb enough moisture. Another reason is impoverished soil. For this reason, it is a good idea to work some compost or old manure into the soil during planting. For extra nutrition, a slow-release granular fertilizer can be given early in the spring or just after flowering.

The foliage of daffodils remains green for weeks after flowering. If you want them to flower next year, the leaves should not be removed until they have died. When naturalising daffodils, plant the bulbs further apart than in the garden. This allows for propagation. Plant them in irregular patterns for a natural effect. In this way, daffodils can flower for years. Daffodils also do well in pots and are excellent cut flowers.
More info about Daffodils

Large balls 15cm deep
Small balls 10cm deep

Large bulbs 15cm apart
Small balls 10cm apart

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Ornithogalum nutans (Nodding Bird's Milk)

Ornithogalum nutans (Nodding Bird's Milk)

The Ornithogalum (nodding star-of-bethlehem) grows almost everywhere: in open woodland, in shrubs, in rockeries and in short grass, which should not be mown until summer. They develop their charm best when they flower among ferns and prefer a well-drained soil containing organic matter to retain moisture in summer. They need little fertilizer, but benefit from a mixture of rotted manure and Lauberde every few years in autumn.

8cm deep

10cm apart

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Scilla

Scilla

The Scilla (star hyacinths) feels at home almost everywhere, in sun or light shade. A fertile, non-drying, well-drained soil is ideal. The bulbs are particularly suitable for naturalisation under hedges, shrubs, trees, or for spreading in the wild garden. In addition, blue Scillas seem to be made to keep yellow and white Daffodils company. They multiply easily, both by forming new bulbs and by seed. So do not disturb such a Scilla spot too much. They need little nutrition, but a small amount of planting soil or old manure in the autumn ensures more flowers.

8cm deep

8cm apart

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Tulips

Tulips

They thrive in full sun but will tolerate light shade. Tulips hate wet feet and require well-drained soil. Never plant tulips in a single row; for best results, plant them in groups of at least 15-20 bulbs. They also make excellent container plants and are great as cut flowers.

Treat tulips as annuals where a perfect show is desired. In less formal situations, the bulbs can be left in the ground for as long as they flower. The flowers will be uneven in height and size, but that has its charm too. Break off the stems below the flower after they have finished blooming. This will cause the plant to put all its energy into bulb growth instead of seed formation. Only remove the tulip leaves after they start to turn yellow.
More info about Tulips

Large tulips 18cm deep Wild tulips 12cm deep

Large tulips 12cm apart Wild tulips 8cm apart

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Zantedeschia

Zantedeschia

Plant the zantedeschia tubers at least 10 cm deep, as the roots grow at the bottom of the tuber and the shoot from the top. A good layer of soil on top is therefore essential, both in borders and in pots. For borders, choose a sunny spot, and for pots, go for larger specimens here too
More info about Zantedeschia

-cm deep

-cm apart

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Crocus sativus ('Saffron Crocus')

Crocus sativus ('Saffron Crocus')

Plant Crocus sativus in a warm, sunny spot where it will get plenty of direct sunlight. The soil should be well-drained to prevent waterlogging. Plant the bulbs 10–15 cm apart and 8–10 cm deep. Crocus sativus prefers drier conditions, it does not like wet feet.

These bulbs bloom in the fall and produce their signature purple flowers and red pistils. With the right care and plenty of sunlight, they will return year after year, adding beauty and a touch of luxury to your garden.

8-10cm deep

10-15cm apart

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Crocus speciosus

Crocus speciosus

Plant the bulbs of Crocus speciosus in early autumn in a sunny or lightly shaded spot. Choose well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging. Plant the bulbs 5–7 cm deep and 7–10 cm apart. These autumn flowering crocuses are hardy and flower beautifully in mild climates.

For naturalisation you can spread and plant the bulbs randomly.

5-7cm deep

7-10cm apart

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Scilla madereinsis

Scilla madereinsis

Plant it immediately, preferably before the end of September when it is still warm outside. Its tropical origins make it perfect as a houseplant. Use large pots with good soil and give it plenty of water until about mid-May, when you place it in the sunniest and warmest spot in front of the window. S. madeirensis literally needs to 'bake' in full sun during the summer months, during which it needs absolutely no water. When it shows its first signs of new growth in early autumn, its life cycle will start again.

This special flower bulb will be shipped in September before any other spring bulbs, Peonies or Amaryllises will be shipped. We do not recommend planting it later in the season as it may skip blooming. If you live further south, such as Cyprus, Malta, Southern Spain, Portugal, Italy or Greece, you can plant this beautiful flower directly in your garden. Although it is so special, I recommend planting it in a pot so you can admire it better.

0cm deep

15cm apart

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