Galanthus bulbs

Galanthus summary

Height: 15cm
Spread: 8cm
Time to plant Galanthus bulbs  March to May
Galanthus bulbs flowering period  February to March

Galanthus bulbs planting instructions

Well-drained soil

Galanthus Plant your galanthus bulbs where the soil drains well. If puddles of water remain 5-6 hours after a hard rain, find another site. Alternatively, amend the soil by adding organic material to raise the level 2-3 inches, which will improve the drainage. Peat moss, compost, ground bark or decomposed manure all do the trick and are widely available.

Dig holes and plant the galanthus bulbs roughly 3 inches apart and with their pointed tops 2-3 inches beneath the soil surface.

After planting your galanthus bulbs, water them well, soaking the soil thoroughly. Most bulbs will begin to grow roots within just a week or two, but you won't see any movement above the soil until late winter or early spring.

Full sun

Plant your galanthus in full sun to partial shade.

Galanthus maintenance instructions

  • Avoid planting single galanthus bulbs - small groups are best.
  • Congested clumps will ultimately fail to flower.
  • Ensure that neighbouring plants aren’t smothering the galanthus, either with their roots or their leaves.
  • Move the galanthus to a new location if necessary.
  • Galanthus can be planted in the autumn as dormant bulbs if you wish.

Enjoy your galanthus again next year

Leave foilage on for better blooming

When blooming has finished for the season, your galanthus need to store energy for next year's display. Allow the leaves to continue photosynthesizing until they yellow and wither, before removing the worn-out foliage. Trimming still-green foliage will reduce the plants' ability to feed next year's flowers, resulting in fewer, smaller blooms.

Nourish during autumn and winter

Water during the autumn and winter with a water-soluble fertilizer to nourish the bulbs as they develop new roots and top growth. Your galanthus bulbs will survive without fertilizer, but providing extra nutrients encourages more flowers, larger blossoms and longer life for your bulbs.

Our galanthus bulbs, as well as all our other products, are delivered with detailed planting instructions.

Click here to see our full collection of Galanthus!