Snowdrops are one of the most beautiful, delicate flowers you will ever lay eyes on. Unfortunately, if you live in a warmer climate where the winters aren't even cold enough, you may never see one. This is because snowdrops are cold weather crops that actually only sprout after the last frost and they often sprout through snow (hence their name!). Today we'll show you how to grow snowdrops right in your backyard and how to care for them!
How to Grow Snowdrops From Bulbs
It is highly advise that you grow snowdrops from bulbs and not from seeds as snowdrops seeds most often don't grow. Purchase your snowdrop bulbs from your local nursery in the fall and plan to plant immediately. Snowdrop bulbs dry out very quickly and do not store, so as soon as you've purchased them, you'll need to plant them.
Planting Snowdrop Bulbs:
- Plant your snowdrop bulbs in the fall.
- Choose a site with moist, well drained soil preferably under a tree or shrub.
- Snowdrops prefer the summer shade, so plant in a shady area.
- Snowdrops are dormant during by late spring but will rest underground until next year.
- Plant some markers around the bulbs so you don't accidentally dig up your snowdrops during your spring/summer planting.
- Loosen the soil and add compost and 5-10-10 granular fertilizer.
- Mix soil well until there are no clumps left.
- Plant snowdrops with the skinny nose up and flate base of the bulb into the soil.
- Leave a couple of inches of soil above the bulbs.
Caring for Snowdrops:
- Snowdrops are pretty self sufficient, and, once planted do not need any sort of care.
- Once planted in the fall, your snowdrops should come out sometime during the winter or early spring.
- You can cut them as flowers and place them in a short vase.
- Snowdrops won't multiply, but the bulbs will grow offset bulbs. Offset bulbs are bulbs that get attached to the mother bulb.
Happy Planting!
