Spring flowering bulbs are harvested in late spring and summer and packed ready to sell in the autumn usually in September and October, but they can be sold right up to Christmas.
When you water or plant the bulb, it immediately starts to grow, the roots develop first followed by the flower shoots. In practice bulbs planted in the autumn grow roots slowly through the winter and start to flower when the weather picks up in the spring.
This is controlled by temperature, a cool spell will develop the roots and leaves. A warm spell and increasing light will make the flowers appear.
Why is that important?
Well, the way the bulbs are stored and sold can affect the quality and final result. If they are kept in warm damp conditions the roots will start to grow, but with no compost to grow in, they become damaged and stunted.
The secret to growing spring bulbs is to plant them as soon as they are delivered, keep them outside aiming to keep them as cool as possible, this will give the roots time to develop. You will find the flowering shoots will start to grow when the temperature rises in the spring, or you can bring them inside to force them to flower quickly
Ideally the roots should appear before the shoots
Easy to grow, suitable for pots or the garden. Normally on sale September – November
Buy as soon as they come in. Avoid bulbs that are soft, squishy or that have started growing roots or shoots. They don’t like warm dark stores, or visit a garden centre or nursery where they will be displayed outside.
