Snowdrops

Snowdrop bulbs are planted in fall for late-winter flowers. Get them in the ground soon after they arrive — they establish best when roots have time to settle before hard freezes.

Planting

1. Unbox right away. Open the package and store bulbs in a cool, dry, dark spot with air circulation until you can plant.
2. Pick a spot. Choose full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil; under deciduous trees and shrubs is ideal since the canopy is still bare when Snowdrops bloom.
3. Loosen the soil. Work the top 6 inches until crumbly and mix in compost if your soil is heavy clay.
4. Set the depth. Plant bulbs 3 inches deep with the pointed end up and the flat basal plate down.
5. Space for drifts. Place bulbs 3 to 6 inches apart in clusters of 10 or more for a natural look rather than straight rows.
6. Water in. Backfill, firm gently, and soak the area once to settle the soil around the bulbs.

Watering

• Fall and spring. Keep soil lightly moist while roots and foliage are active; about an inch of water per week including rainfall.
• Summer dormancy. Stop supplemental watering once leaves yellow — dormant bulbs prefer drier soil and can rot in soggy ground.

Feeding

• At planting. Mix a balanced bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the planting area.
• Each year. Top-dress with compost or a low-nitrogen bulb food as shoots emerge in late winter.

Ongoing Care

• Let foliage ripen. Leave the leaves in place after flowering until they yellow naturally; that's how next year's flowers are fueled.
• Mulch lightly. A 1 to 2 inch layer of shredded leaves or bark moderates soil temperature without smothering shoots.
• Divide when crowded. Every 4 to 5 years, lift and separate clumps just after flowering while leaves are still green, then replant immediately.
• Containers. Use a well-drained potting mix, plant at the same 3-inch depth, and overwinter pots in an unheated garage or sheltered spot in the coldest zones.

When will my snowdrops bloom after fall planting?

Most gardeners see flowers the first late winter or very early spring after planting, typically February to March depending on your zone. Clumps get fuller and more floriferous in following years.

How many bulbs come in a pack and what size are they?

Each pack includes 25 dormant bulbs sized 5 cm. Bulbs ship dry and dormant, not as potted plants.

Are snowdrops deer and rodent resistant?

Yes. Galanthus contains alkaloids that make it unpalatable, so deer, rabbits, squirrels, and voles generally leave the bulbs and foliage alone.

Are snowdrops toxic to pets?

Yes, all parts of the bulb and plant are toxic if eaten and can cause vomiting or digestive upset in dogs and cats. Plant where curious pets don't dig, and store bulbs out of reach before planting.

Will snowdrops multiply on their own?

They will. Snowdrops naturalize by offsets and seed, spreading into wider drifts over the years. Divide crowded clumps right after flowering to move them around the garden.

Can I grow snowdrops in pots?

Yes. Plant them 3 inches deep in a well-drained mix and keep the container in a cold, sheltered spot over winter. Their 6-inch height makes them a good choice for small patio pots and window boxes.