Spring Bulbs

Hi All. I want to plant some spring bulbs ,probably Crocus & Snowdrops that will come up in between the hardy fuchsias. I see they have started to sell them in Wilkos but was wondering if anyone buys them from a specialist and can you recommend one.
They are the type of plant you plant once so rather buy from a recommended seller rather than take a chance.
Thank you

 

I've only ever bought them from places like Wilkinsons, Poundland etc.
My philosophy has always been a bulb is a bulb, it doesn't matter where the fields are that they're grown in. Just look for the biggest size you can get.
Also, with the Snowdrops they are notoriously hard to get established from dry bulbs, so the quicker you can get them in the better.
The better way to grow them is to wait till after Christmas and buy them " in the green ". This means buying them after they have grown leaves.

 

If you do buy dried bulbs of Snowdrops, try soaking them overnight in warm water with a little fungicide in it before planting. It does seem to rehydrate them and they stand a chance of growing.

 

I've bought bulbs from Anglia Bulbs, Avon Bulbs and Dejager. After being very impressed with all three of these online suppliers as the subsequent flowers have been fantastic, I'd never go back to Wilkies or Poundland.

If you decide to buy from Anglia Bulbs, don't forget to order your two packs of freebies.

 

I literally have 1000s and 1000s of both Snowdrops (mostly doubles) and Aconites. I have sold many for my local charity (hedgehog sanctuary) both on Ebay and at a local car boot. The thinking about Snowdrops being bought "in the green" has been somewhat revised evidently. It's not being in the green which is important, it's showing the bulbs are viable and haven't dried out which is the key. I'd be careful about buying Snowdrops in supermarket and the like. The Snowdrops may well have been lifted months ago. Tulips, Daffodils, Crocus and the like aren't bothered about being dried out Snowdrops on the other hand are. The skins of Snowdrops should still be quite shiny when fresh not dull. Obviously buying "in the green" will ensure the bulbs are viable but you will have lost a season. I've moved Snowdrops at all times of the year and as long as they get replanted quickly there isn't a problem. Likewise they are quite happy growing in pretty dry areas as long as they get plenty of moisture during their growing period. Best to avoid planting under conifers but under deciduous trees is fine and mine don't care if they are planted 1/4 inch or a foot deep, honestly! Some get buried by mistake and still come up. As Anthony Rogers suggested best to get them asap so hopefully avoiding bulbs which have spent weeks in a warm outlet.

 

Yes I like Anglia Bulbs as well!!

http://www.angliabulbs.com/

 

I bought some off @silu 2 years ago, they arrived in perfect condition and put on a beautiful show, many doubles
Found this photo from the first season after I planted them.

 

Thanks for your replies, Very interesting about Snowdrops. Looked at the 2 of the sites recommended so far Anglia & Avon,both excellent sites with Anglia pipping Avon to post.
Not sure if it is the same bulb as Pamsdish has got but a lovely Snopdrop on Avon site called Galanthus Ballerina.

 

Lol, no trogre I wish. My Snowdrops are Galanthus Flore Pleno, the "common" double Snowdrops. Still absolutely lovely and to be honest unless you look very very carefully Flore Pleno really isn't hugely different to Ballerina BUT and it's a big but, I don't sell mine for about £18 EACH!!!! The last time I sold a batch I think from memory I sold them for about £10 for 100 doubles.