It never hurts to try, I got a pack half price in about November last year, and they all came up. Only 1 flowered - but they should all have a go in the spring.
I too bought bulbs end of season (november) and planted up, five to a small pot. Kept in a cold greenhouse but watered after planting they all flowered and were planted out whilst in flower, so that I had them where the spaces were. The single ones self seed, but the double ones need to be split after 2 or 3 years.
grown this way you can see where those from previous years are and fill in the gaps where you want them, also you won't haver to wait until next year to buy in the green, thereby missing next springs flowering. Pots in flower in the garden centre are always expensive, and probably the same bulbs you could be planting up for yourself!
I grew some fritilarias in pots last winter so that I could plant out in the gaps between those already in the garden. Still got the pleasure of the flowers without damaging those planted earlier. I might try some snowdrop bulbs this year, same technique, even tho' I always plant in the green.
Bulbs are best, BUT only if you get them in early summer soon after they have gone dormant. "In the green" you always damage some roots and they take a year or so to recover, unless they are a clump from a neighbour and you just transplant intact, or you take very great care separating and water in as you plant. Bulbs that have dried in the garden centre are very hit and miss. Just buy as soon as they appear and hope for the best, or buy from a snowdrop freak, who hopefully will do the right thing. Pots are OK for a start but get them in the garden as soon as you can for the next season. They rot very easily in poorly drained pots.
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ah they are so lovely fidget! hoping I get a bit of luck!
It never hurts to try, I got a pack half price in about November last year, and they all came up. Only 1 flowered - but they should all have a go in the spring.
I too bought bulbs end of season (november) and planted up, five to a small pot. Kept in a cold greenhouse but watered after planting they all flowered and were planted out whilst in flower, so that I had them where the spaces were. The single ones self seed, but the double ones need to be split after 2 or 3 years.
grown this way you can see where those from previous years are and fill in the gaps where you want them, also you won't haver to wait until next year to buy in the green, thereby missing next springs flowering. Pots in flower in the garden centre are always expensive, and probably the same bulbs you could be planting up for yourself!
Lovely drifts fidget. Am now wanting more in my garden
I grew some fritilarias in pots last winter so that I could plant out in the gaps between those already in the garden. Still got the pleasure of the flowers without damaging those planted earlier. I might try some snowdrop bulbs this year, same technique, even tho' I always plant in the green.
Bulbs are best, BUT only if you get them in early summer soon after they have gone dormant. "In the green" you always damage some roots and they take a year or so to recover, unless they are a clump from a neighbour and you just transplant intact, or you take very great care separating and water in as you plant. Bulbs that have dried in the garden centre are very hit and miss. Just buy as soon as they appear and hope for the best, or buy from a snowdrop freak, who hopefully will do the right thing. Pots are OK for a start but get them in the garden as soon as you can for the next season. They rot very easily in poorly drained pots.