Growing & ordering
Frequently asked questions
Short, direct answers to the things people ask us most, before and after ordering.
Planting
When do I plant spring-flowering bulbs?
In autumn, once soil temperature has dropped below roughly 15°C and before the ground freezes. In most of the country that is late September to November; in mild zones you can plant into December. Those cold weeks are what let the bulb build the root system that powers a spring flower.
I am late. Can I still plant?
Usually yes. Bulbs planted in December or early January generally still flower, just later and on shorter stems. If the ground is already frozen, pot them in containers, keep them in an unheated garage or cold frame, and plant out in early spring.
Which end goes up?
The pointed end is the stem tip and faces up. The flat, scarred base with the ring of root tissue faces down. If a bulb is rounded with no obvious point, plant it on its side — it will right itself.
How deep, and how far apart?
A reliable rule is three times the bulb’s own height in depth, measured from the base of the bulb to the soil surface. Tulips and daffodils usually go about 15 cm deep and 10 to 15 cm apart. Crocus and snowdrops sit shallower, around 8 cm. Allium wants 10 to 15 cm. Plant slightly deeper in sandy soil and slightly shallower in heavy clay.
How do I store bulbs I cannot plant yet?
Cool, dark and dry: 10 to 15°C, in a paper bag or a cardboard box with ventilation holes. Keep them away from ripening fruit, which releases ethylene and can abort the flower already formed inside the bulb. Plant within four to six weeks if you can.
Leaves but no flowers — why?
Three usual causes, in order of likelihood: bulbs that were below flowering size to begin with; foliage cut back too early the previous season, before it had fed next year’s flower; and a position too shady for the species. Full sun, foliage left for about six weeks after bloom, and a stated bulb grade solve most of it.
Will they come back next year?
Species tulips, daffodils, allium, crocus, muscari and most lilies naturalise well and return for years. Large-flowered hybrid tulips are best treated as annuals in warm zones; in cooler zones they often repeat if you let the foliage die back completely and feed after flowering.
Ordering & shipping
What actually arrives?
Dormant bulbs, corms, tubers or bare roots — never potted plants unless the listing says so. Bulbs are graded by circumference before packing. Expect firm, heavy bulbs with dry outer skin; loose skin and light surface dust are normal.
How much is shipping?
Nothing. Standard shipping is free on every order, with no minimum spend and no handling fee at checkout.
When will my order be dispatched?
Usually within 1 to 3 business days. Bulbs ship at the right planting time for the season, so a pre-order placed out of season may be held until the shipping window opens. Tracking is emailed the moment the parcel leaves us.
How long does delivery take?
Allow 5 to 12 business days after dispatch. Weather, carrier hubs and peak season can add a few days. If tracking has not moved for 10 days, email us and we will chase it or replace it.
Which countries do you ship to?
Only the destinations shown in the address list at checkout. Bulbs cannot legally cross some borders without plant health certification, and we will not ship where the permits are missing.
Can I change my address after ordering?
Yes, if the parcel has not been packed. Email the order number straight away. Once a tracking number is issued the address is locked and we cannot redirect in transit.
Quality & guarantee
My bulbs arrived soft or mouldy. What now?
Small patches of blue-green mould on the papery skin are harmless — wipe them off. A bulb that is soft, mushy or smells sour is not: photograph it and email us within 14 days of delivery for a replacement or refund. Sprouting in transit is normal on late-season orders and does not affect flowering.
Are your bulbs true to name?
Every lot is ordered by variety and checked against the grower’s label when it is packed. If a plant flowers to something clearly different, send a photo and we will make it right under the guarantee.
How does the 60-day guarantee work?
If a bulb or bare root fails to grow within 60 days of delivery, email us with the order number and a photo. We replace it if it is in stock, refund it, or issue store credit — your choice. Full terms are on Refunds & Replacements.
Do you sell wholesale?
Yes, for landscapers, schools and community garden projects. Email varieties, quantities and the delivery month you need, and we will quote separately from retail pricing.
Flower bulbs, corms and bare roots — graded by size and shipped at the right planting time. Free shipping on every order.
Help
Frequently asked questions Shipping & unpacking Refunds & replacements Why buy from us Contact usContact
thebulbgarden1@gmail.comOne inbox, one business day.
Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm EST.
Landscapers, schools and community gardens: ask for a wholesale quote.
Free shipping on every order · no minimum
60-day guarantee · Dispatch & delivery