Planting snowdrops in-the-green helps the bulbs absorb moisture quickly after they've been planted. This helps them to establish quickly and produce a great show of flowers.
Should snowdrops be planted in spring in-the-green (after the flowers have died down but when their foliage is still green and lush) or as dry bulbs in autumn? It's a question that divides opinion in even the most prestigious horticultural circles.
At a recent recording of Gardeners' Question Time, one of my fellow panellists wholeheartedly supported planting them as bulbs. And, while I normally rate his opinions and knowledge, on this matter I have to disagree.
Planting snowdrops in-the-green helps the bulbs absorb moisture quickly after they've been planted. This helps them to establish quickly and produce a great show of flowers the following year. Dry, rootless snowdrop bulbs often don't establish well.
As I finally stood upright after planting hundreds of snowdrops I bought in-the-green last weekend, I felt immensely pleased with myself. I'm sure the job took less time than it would have done if I'd been fiddling about with tiny bulbs. It was also easier to see where I had planted them, as each clump was clearly marked with a tuft of lovely grey-green foliage.
And, on the basis of earlier in-the-green plantings, I'm expecting a high proportion of snowdrops to flourish and flower next year and for many years to come.
I'd be interested to know your preferences.
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