Perennials

You can start pre-ordering your Spring bulbs in January. This means our Spring bulb collection is online and you can already order your Spring bulbs before certain bulbs sell out. In the meantime, most of the spring bulbs are imported from the Netherlands and we ship them per boat to our warehouse in Kansas City.

Once they’re in our warehouse, we store them in optimal condition until it is time to ship them. We start shipping Spring bulbs in the 3rd week of March.

When do we ship them? We start shipping Perennial bulbs in the 3rd week of March and of course, we’ll ship out the pre-orders first. Because of the large number of pre-orders, this means you can expect your order to arrive probably somewhere in the last week of March or the 1st week of April. This can depend on the number of pre-orders, but also on the postal service we use.

If you order Perennial bulbs after April 1st when all of the pre-orders are shipped, you can expect your order within 5-7 workdays. This also depends on the postal service and the number of orders. Please see more of this on our Shipping & Delivery page: https://dutchflowerbulbs.com/pages/shipping-delivery

When your perennial bulbs arrive, the first step is to check them carefully for any damage or signs of disease. If they appear healthy, the next step depends on the climate of your living area. All of our Perennials are frost hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, so within these zones, it is possible to plant them as soon as you receive them.

If you live in an area with a colder climate, so USDA hardiness zone 3 and below, then you should wait until the frost has passed. If you are unable to plant your bulbs immediately upon arrival, store them in a cool, dry location with good ventilation. Avoid exposing the bulbs to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight. Check them regularly for any signs of mold, rot, or dehydration, and plant them as soon as possible.

This can vary per perennial variety, but in general they prefer the same planting conditions.
Here are the general steps to follow when planting spring bulbs:

• Choose a planting location that receives adequate sunlight and partial shade, has well-draining soil, and is large enough to accommodate the number of bulbs you want to plant.
• Prepare the soil: clear any weeds, debris, or rocks from the planting area, and loosen the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. Add compost or other organic matter if your soil is poor.
• Dig planting holes: use a trowel or bulb planter to dig holes that are two to three times deeper than the bulb's height. Space the holes according to the recommended distance for your particular bulb variety. Do not bury your bulbs!
• Plant the bulbs: place each bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up. Cover with soil, firming gently to eliminate air pockets. Water the area thoroughly to settle the soil and initiate root growth.
• Mulch the planting area: apply a layer of mulch to help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Pine needles, shredded leaves, or straw are all good choices.
• Mark the planting area: use a garden marker or label to mark the planting area, so you don't accidentally dig up or disturb the bulbs before they have a chance to sprout.
• Care for the bulbs: after planting, continue to water the bulbs regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to dry out completely. Fertilize every two to four weeks during the blooming season. As the bulbs emerge, provide support if necessary and remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed.

Definitely! Planting perennials in containers is a fantastic way to bring color and charm to patios, balconies, and small spaces. To ensure success, choose a container with proper drainage holes and fill it with a high-quality potting mix. Plant perennials at the recommended depth and spacing for their specific variety, and water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Place the container in a sunny spot, and enjoy watching your portable garden come to life in the spring.

Please keep in mind that perennials are growing each year and that you should use a pot or container that is large enough to accommodate the perennials for years to come.