Flower bulbs

Get inspired by our huge assortment of the best Flower Bulbs we have to offer

We stock a large range of Flower Bulbs, all suitable for growing in your garden or in pots. There are different types of Flower Bulbs:

The onion type (the so called true bulbs) with a bud/nose covered by scales and protected by a thin layer of skin tunic, these include Tulips, Hyacinths, Narcissi, Iris, and Alliums.

The second type is the fleshy leaves bearing skin flower bulbs such as Lilies and Fritillaries.

Technically the other groups within this Flower Bulb category are not Flower Bulbs at all; they are in fact corms, like Gladioli and Crocus. They resemble Flower Bulbs but without the scales or leaves. These are actually underground stems filled with food. Or they are tubers, like Dahlias and Begonias, that are horizontal stems from which both roots and leaves will grow.

In all cases, the purpose is the same, it makes it possible for the flower bulbs to survive unfavourable growing conditions such as cold for spring flowering bulbs like Tulips and Crocus and dry periods for summer flowering bulbs such as Freesias and Dahlias.

Once conditions improve these Flower Bulbs will quickly grow and bloom exuberantly using their stored food supply.

This is why Flower Bulbs, Corms and Rhizomes give such a reward in spring; they are easy to plant and are always the first indication that spring is just around the corner!

How to Care for Flower Bulbs

Bulbs are best planted in full sun. Some will tolerate partial shade. There are certain spring flowering bulbs that adore the Shade such as Convallaria and Leucojum.You can grow almost any bulbs in containers, pots or window boxes. bulbs will thrive in well drained Soils. There are few bulbs that will tolerate wet soils but the japanese Iris and arum lily do. 

The best spring flowering bulbs for containers are Daffodil Flower Bulbs, Tulip Flower Bulbs, Hyacinth Flower Bulbs and Crocus. Just use a good potting mix and plant bulbs closer together if not touching each Other. Before planting always dig in compost, peat or well rotted organic matter. In gardens where there clay Soils and poor drainage, you best to plant in raised beds. Sand added to the planting hole will improve drainage.  

General depth for planting bulbs is to plant them at a depth that is twice the height of the bulb. During flowering periods remove any faded flowers as they appear, this will help to promote New and bushy growth throughout the growing season.

After flowering, let the foliage die down naturally. Doing this feeds energy into the bulb for flowering the next season. If you know in advance what bulbs need lifting then you are better to plant them in pots so make life easier. Let the bulbs dry off before storing. Store the bulbs in a net bag or a Seed tray and place them in an unheated room with some moisture, i.e. garage. Remember not all bulbs need to be lifted, some can be left in the ground to re appear the following few seasons or until the become over crowded and its time to divide. 
Autumn is a great time to begin to plan your spring garden. With careful planning you could have bulbs flowering from spring to the end of summer and in autumn. 

Bulb loosely covers all bulbs and include tubers, corms and rhizomes.

• Bulbs are made up of layers of fleshy scales.
• Corms are solid flesh and sometime appear woody. As this grows it will disappear as Other bulblets form .
• Tubers are thickened shoots, just like the Begonia and potatoes.
• Rhizomes are fleshy creeping stems that produce flower spikes. Just like Bearded Iris. 

In February fertilise with an organic fertiliser on top of the soil and let it rain into the soil. By early April apply a top dressing of a compound Fertilizers such NPK 12-10-18 this will help promote green growth to your plants as well asa growth of your new bulbs underneath.

In the Autumn apply a low N count Fertilizers such as an organic fertiliser since the plants are going into their time of rest. 

All bulbs will benefit from a layer of mulch in winter or summer. In winter it will protect from frost damage and in summer it will keep them cool and prevent them from roasting in the ground and losing their ability to flower.  

Slugs and snails just love the New young foliage that appears in spring, so apply anti snail pellet from end of Februarty onwards to help protect. Remember in spring, watering takes care of itself by nature but you may need to give additional water depending on the weather.

How to Naturalise spring flowerbulbs in your lawn

Brighten up dull looking lawns with a wonderful natural looking splash of colour which will mimic nature. How to do this: lift up the grass turf at various places and sow a mixture ofCrocus, Snowdrops, Muscari and Fritillaries underneath and plant them exactly where they have landed and replacing the turf by pressing it firmly back on top of the bulbs.

If you decide to use Crocus, these generally look best in drifts, and a mixture of Varieties can create a striking effect. Keep in mind that these bulbs are to be left undisturbed for years so the initial planting should be well spaced.

Allow plants to die down after flowering before mowing over the lawn or better still plant them in areas of rough grass that aren’t regularly mown. October and November are probably the best times to plant bulbs in your lawn as they will establish themselves over the winter months.

How to plant Bulbs in Containers

Plant Narcissi - Daffodils - Hyacinths - Tulips in planters with a minimum of 17 cm wide, plant them halfway down the planter in normal potting compost mixed with 1/3 of sand for drainage, fill up with the mixture and press down firmly and water the planter. Place the planter outside in a box, lay a thick layer of old newspapers at the bottom, place the planters on top and fill the box with peat, take care that a thick layer of peat rest on top of the planters and check moisture regularly.
For indoor flowering take the planters indoor when the bud of the flower (a thick section in the new sprout is visable) and well above the neck of the bulb. Bring the planters into full daylight and force them into flowering at room temperature, spray regularly with luke warm water.

When you use peat to fill the box withe the planters, it's so much easier to check on the growth of the bulbs.

Buy safe at Gardens4You

Buying plants online is safe and easy at Gardens4You. The online garden center for cheerful garden fun. Easy ordering of all plants and fast delivery. Easily pay and not good money back. Large range of premium stock in house to choose from.

With all our plants you get grow and bloom insurance, if you are not satisfied you get new or your money back. You can order without worry. We have the best quality. You can also fertilise your plants with extra delicious plant food. 

Other popular plants you may like are Bonsai trees and Flower Bulbs. Also view our garden Perennials and Shrubs.
We also have a huge variety of Houseplants for a wonderful green ambiance in your interior.