Gardening FAQ

• How do I handle my bulbs when they arrive?

When your flower bulbs arrive, it's important to handle them carefully to ensure they have the best chance of thriving and producing beautiful blooms. Here are some general tips:

• Unpack the bulbs immediately: as soon as you receive the bulbs, remove them from the packaging to avoid any damage from moisture or lack of air circulation.
• Inspect the bulbs: check the bulbs carefully for any signs of damage or disease. If you notice any issues, you may want to contact the seller to ask for a replacement.

If you're not ready to plant the bulbs right away, or it isn’t the right time yet

• Store the bulbs properly: store them in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant. Avoid storing them in areas that are too warm or moist, as this can cause them to rot.

If you’re going to plant them immediately and it is the right timing

• Prepare the planting area: choose a location in your garden that receives the appropriate amount of sunlight for the specific type of bulb you're planting. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the area, and loosen the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches.
• Plant the bulbs: follow the specific planting instructions for the type of bulb you're planting, as different types of bulbs have different planting depths and spacing requirements.

• How to plant my bulbs?

Planting bulbs is an easy and rewarding way to add color and beauty to your garden. Begin by selecting a planting site with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight (this can differ per variety, so please check this on every product page). Dig a hole that is 2-3 times the depth of the bulb and place the bulb with the pointed end facing up. Cover the bulb with soil and water thoroughly. Add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weeds. Bulbs should be planted in the fall for spring blooms and in the spring for summer blooms. With proper care, your bulbs will flourish and bring joy to your garden for years to come.

• When do I need to plant my Fall bulbs?

The best time to plant fall bulbs depends on the climate and the specific type of bulb you are planting. In general, fall bulbs should be planted in early fall, usually between September and November, before the ground freezes. This timing allows the bulbs to establish roots before winter dormancy and to bloom in the spring. It's important to make sure the soil temperature is cool, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, to prevent the bulbs from sprouting prematurely. If you live in a warmer climate, you can plant your flower bulbs a little bit later. 

• When do I need to plant my Spring bulbs?

Spring bulbs should be planted in the spring, typically between March and May, depending on your climate and the specific type of bulb you are planting. Hardy spring bulbs, such as Bearded Iris, Peonies, and Lilies, can be planted earlier in the season when the soil temperature is around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. These bulbs can withstand cooler temperatures and even some frost. 

However, spring bulbs that are not hardy, such as Gladiolus, Begonias, and Dahlias, should not be planted until all danger of frost has passed. Be sure to check the planting instructions on the product page for specific planting times and instructions. Proper timing and planting depth will ensure a beautiful summer bloom.

• When will my bulbs grow?

The timing of when your bulbs will grow depends on the specific type of flower bulb you planted. Some bulbs, such as crocuses and snowdrops, will start to grow as early as late winter or early spring. Other bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, typically start to grow in early to mid-spring. However, there are also bulbs that will grow in the summer, such as gladiolus and dahlias. The timing of growth can also be influenced by factors such as soil temperature and moisture, as well as the amount of sunlight the bulbs receive. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy beautiful blooms from your bulbs throughout the year.

• What to do against deer, squirrels, and rodents?

Deer, squirrels, and rodents can be common nuisances for gardeners. To protect your garden, you can take several measures. One option is to install a physical barrier, such as a fence or netting, to prevent access to the garden. Another option is to use repellents, such as sprays or granules, that contain natural or chemical substances that deter the animals. Planting certain types of plants that are unpalatable to these animals can also help. Additionally, removing food sources, such as fallen fruits or seeds, can discourage squirrels and rodents. Finally, you can consider using traps or hiring professional pest control services as a last resort.

• What to do when my bulbs are not blooming?

There are several reasons why bulbs may fail to bloom. Some common reasons include planting them too shallow, planting them in the wrong location, or not providing adequate sunlight or nutrients. If your bulbs are not blooming, try digging them up and checking their condition. If they are soft or mushy, they may have rotted and need to be replaced. If they appear healthy, try giving them more sunlight, fertilizer, or water. Also, make sure the soil is well-draining and not too compacted. Finally, be patient, as some bulbs may take several years to bloom after planting. With proper care and attention, your bulbs should eventually produce beautiful blooms.

• What is the best time to transplant my bulbs?

The best time to transplant bulbs is during their dormant period, which is usually after they have finished flowering and their foliage has died back. For most bulbs, this is in late spring or early summer. Transplanting bulbs during their dormant period minimizes the shock to the plant and allows it to focus on establishing new roots in its new location. It's important to dig up the bulbs carefully, making sure to disturb the roots as little as possible. After transplanting, be sure to water the bulbs thoroughly and provide them with adequate sunlight and nutrients. With proper care, transplanted bulbs should continue to thrive and produce beautiful blooms in their new location.

• How do I keep diseases and pests away?

There are several ways to keep diseases and pests away from your plants. Firstly, choose healthy plants and plant them in appropriate locations with good soil and proper sunlight. Ensure proper watering and fertilization, as well as regular pruning and clean-up of dead or diseased foliage. Use organic pest control methods such as hand-picking, spraying with insecticidal soap, or introducing beneficial insects. Finally, stay vigilant and monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests or disease, so you can take action quickly if needed.

• What are hardiness zones?

Hardiness zones are a way of classifying geographic regions based on their climate and temperature range. The USDA Hardiness Zone Map is the most commonly used system in the United States and Canada, and it divides the country into 13 zones based on the average annual minimum temperature. Each zone is labeled with a number and a letter, with lower numbers indicating colder regions and higher numbers indicating warmer regions. Hardiness zones are important for gardeners and growers because they help them choose plants that are best adapted to their specific climate and temperature range, ensuring greater success and survival rates for their plants.

We included the hardiness zone on every product page. If you know in what zone you are, you can easily filter and check which products are suited for your living area. Keep in mind that you can plant almost any flower bulb in your zone, but make sure to read the planting instructions. For example: if you live in Zone 5 and you want to plant dahlias, you can plant them in your garden, but you should wait till the frost has passed. Also, they’re not perennials in Zone 5 and therefore you should dig them up. But if you live in zone 8, you can plant them immediately and leave them year-round in the ground.

• What is dormant and what to do?

A dormant flower bulb is a bulb that is in a period of rest or inactivity, during which it has stopped growing and is not producing any foliage or flowers. This period of dormancy is a natural part of the bulb's life cycle, and it allows the bulb to conserve energy and prepare for the next growing season. During dormancy, the bulb should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent it from sprouting prematurely. When it's time to plant the bulb, it should be soaked in water for a few hours to rehydrate it and then planted in well-draining soil. Proper planting and care will ensure that the bulb wakes up from dormancy and produces beautiful blooms.

• If I don’t plant the bulbs this year, can I plant them next year?

If you don't plant fall bulbs this year, you can certainly plant them next year. However, it's important to note that the longer you wait to plant the bulbs, the less likely they are to produce healthy blooms. The bulbs will continue to deteriorate over time, losing nutrients and moisture that are necessary for growth. Additionally, if the bulbs are left out of the ground for too long, they may dry out or become damaged. It's best to plant bulbs as soon as possible after purchase to ensure the best chance of success. If you do need to store bulbs, keep them in a cool, dry place until you can plant them.

• What is well-drained soil?

Well-drained soil refers to soil that allows excess water to pass through it quickly, preventing waterlogging and allowing air to circulate around plant roots. This type of soil is essential for healthy plant growth as it ensures that plant roots have access to the oxygen they need to thrive. Well-drained soil typically has a balance of clay, sand, and organic matter that allows water to move through it without becoming saturated. It also helps to prevent soil erosion and nutrient leaching. If your soil is poorly drained, you can improve it by adding organic matter such as compost or leaf mold to increase the soil's ability to absorb and drain water.

• Will the flower bulbs bloom in the first year?

Whether or not flower bulbs will bloom in the first year depends on several factors, such as the type of bulb, planting conditions, and environmental factors. Some bulbs, like tulips and daffodils, are known to bloom reliably in the first year, while others, such as Peonies, may take a year or two to establish themselves before producing flowers. Proper planting depth, soil preparation, and fertilization can all improve the chances of getting blooms in the first year. However, unexpected weather conditions or other factors can also impact the timing and quality of blooms. 

• Why do fall-planted bulbs need a chilling period before blooming?

Fall-planted bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, require a period of cold temperature in order to bloom. This is because these bulbs are adapted to colder climates and have evolved to use temperature cues to determine when to flower. The chilling period initiates the growth and development of flower buds. Without this period of cold exposure, the bulbs may not bloom or may produce weak, stunted flowers. In general, a chilling period of around 10-16 weeks at temperatures between 35-45°F (2-7°C) is needed for most fall-planted bulbs to flower properly.

• How many flower bulbs do you need?

The number of flower bulbs you need depends on several factors such as the size of your garden or planting area, the type of bulbs you want to plant, and the desired visual impact you wish to achieve. It's best to start by measuring the planting area and determining the number of bulbs per square foot recommended for the particular variety you want to grow. For example, tulips may require 8-10 bulbs per square foot, while daffodils may require 4-6 bulbs per square foot. Additionally, you may want to consider the depth and spacing requirements for each type of bulb to ensure optimal growth. Ultimately, the number of bulbs needed will vary depending on the specifics of your gardening project.