Classic Dutch Garden

Plant this collection in fall, before the ground freezes, so the bulbs get the cold period they need to bloom. Aim for roughly 6 weeks ahead of your first hard freeze.

Unboxing

• Open right away. Remove the bulbs from the shipping box and check that they are firm and dry.
• Store cool and dark. If you cannot plant immediately, keep bulbs in a well-ventilated spot at 50-60 degrees F, never sealed in plastic.

Planting

1. Pick your spot. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and soil that drains freely. Bulbs rot in standing water.
2. Loosen the bed. Work the top 8-10 inches of soil and mix in compost if your ground is heavy clay.
3. Set the depth. Plant each bulb about 4-6 inches deep, or roughly three times its height, pointed end up.
4. Space them out. Leave 3-6 inches between bulbs and scatter the varieties in loose drifts rather than straight rows for a natural Dutch look.
5. Backfill and water. Cover, firm the soil gently, and water once deeply to settle everything in.
6. Mulch. Add 2 inches of mulch to moderate soil temperature over winter.

Watering

• Fall soak. One deep watering at planting is usually enough to trigger root growth.
• Spring moisture. Keep soil evenly moist while foliage and flowers are active, about 1 inch of water per week including rain.
• Summer dry rest. Once foliage yellows, stop supplemental watering and let the bulbs go dormant.

Feeding

• At planting. Mix a balanced bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the planting hole.
• Each spring. Scatter a light application of balanced granular fertilizer as shoots emerge.

Aftercare

• Deadhead spent blooms. Snip off faded flowers so energy goes back into the bulb instead of seed.
• Leave the leaves. Let foliage yellow and die back naturally for at least 6 weeks before removing it.
• Divide as needed. If clumps get crowded and bloom less after several years, lift and separate them after foliage dies back.

How much area will 125 bulbs cover?

The collection is designed to fill about 5 square feet of garden bed at 3-6 inch spacing. You can also spread it across several smaller pockets in a border or split it between beds and large containers.

When should I plant these bulbs?

Plant in fall, about six weeks before your ground freezes hard. The bulbs need a cold dormant period through winter in order to bloom the following spring.

Will they come back every year?

Yes. These are hardy bulbs for zones 3-8 and will return each spring. Leave the foliage in place until it yellows so the bulbs can recharge for next season.

Can I grow this collection in containers?

Yes. Use deep pots with drainage holes, plant bulbs a bit closer together than in the ground, and in zones 3-5 move the containers to an unheated garage or shed so the roots do not freeze solid.

Are the bulbs deer resistant?

It depends on the variety. The mix includes types deer and rodents typically avoid as well as tulip-style bulbs they enjoy. In heavy deer pressure areas, plant with a wire mesh cover or apply a repellent as shoots emerge.

What arrives in the box?

You receive 125 dormant bulbs in assorted sizes and varieties, packed for fall planting. Dormant bulbs look dry and papery on arrival, which is normal.