My daughter is getting married in first week of April next year. I want to plant out lots of tubs and containers with Spring bulbs in the hope that I will get them all flowering around this time. Any tips? (How does Chelsea manage it?!!!)
Shouldn't be impossible, depending on where you are. You may need to move containers somewhere warmer or cooler depending on the weather just before.
Check flowering times for varieties, most good suppliers should indicate it, as it can vary a lot . Small flowered daffodils and narcissi flower earlier than large flowered ones usually, and so do the small species tulips. There's a very pretty pink and white one called Heart's Delight that sounds appropriate
Most of the large tulips only start in 'early' April, which might not be quite early enough if we have a very cold March, like last year. Some narcissi are scented, which would be be nice, and so are hyacinths which flower quite early. You could add primroses or polyanthus for additional colour if need be.
I use Peter Nyssen if it helps, very reliable and good info.
Hyacinths are one of the easiest to grow. In my experience unfussy and a good performer. They should flower early. As I recall the open day of the National Collection is in March so they should be in flower for the wedding (weather permitting of course - one year the open day had to be delayed because of extreme cold).
Chelsea growers manage it by successional planting ... lots of bulbs planted over a staggered period so that some of them will flower at the right time ... and then, as had been said, judicious moving in or out of warmth/shelter to encourage/ delay opening.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
As Dove says, successional planting is the way to go. Plant a variety of early, mids and late flowerers , to cover the option of an OK spring, a hot spring, or another freeze up. I am growing the flowers for a wedding next weekend. With this summer it has been a nightmare. Also, don't believe the colours on packets in the shops. Try and check online photos if you can.
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Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.