Tricks of the Trade

All businesses have information that insiders know, little tidbits that provide an edge.  Here are a few for the flower bulb business that will help you be a more savvy shopper.

1.  Professional growers buy based on bulb size - Commercial flower growers know that bulb size correlates with flower bud count and buy their bulbs accordingly.  They recognize that the time spent planting bulbs is the same regardless of size, but that by starting with larger bulbs they can more than double the number of flowers produced.  Here's one lily bulb wholesaler's chart that outlines this for his customers:

Bulb Size            Expected No. of Buds

                         10/12 cm                          2-3

                         12/14 cm                          3-4

                         14/16 cm                          4-6

                         16/18 cm                          6-8       

2.  Look for hidden info - Flower bulb sellers generally provide information about variety, color, quantity and price, but often not size.  Buyers need sizes to make  "apples to apples" comparisons.  If you don't see specific sizes, ask.

Would you pay the same price for 1/2 lb, 1 lb or 1 1/2 lb package of imported Swiss cheese?  Probably not, and with good reason.  The same applies to flower bulb purchases.

3.  Sizing translation - Bulb sizes, even when provided, are often confusing. The European standard sizes are measured in centimeters for bulb circumference.  Some common bulbs sizes are listed below.

Amaryllis (Christmas blooming types)

Extra large is 30-32 cm

Large is 28-30 cm

Medium is 26-28 cm

Small is less that 26 cm

Exotic, fragrant and miniature amaryllis bulbs never bulk up to these sizes. For these types 24+ cm is very large.

Daffodils (Narcissus)

DN I is the largest, at 16+ centimeters (cm) in circumference

DN II is 14-16 cm

DN III is 12-14 cm

Gladiolus

Extra large is 16+ cm (very hard to find, but we have these)

Large is 14-16 cm

Medium is 12-14 cm

Small is 10-12 cm

Lilies

Extra large is 16-18 cm

Large is 14-16 cm

Medium is 12-14 cm

Small is 10-12 cm

(See #1 above for corresponding bud counts.)

Tulips

            Extra large is 12-14 cm

            Top size is 12+ cm

Medium size is 11-12 cm

Small is 10-11 cm 

Other bulbs (Alliums, Iris, Begonias, etc.) vary considerably in size.  Often the seller notes that the bulbs are "top size".  Because "top size" for some types of bulbs can be as big as an orange, while "top size" in others can be small as a pea this measurement can be confusing.  It is helpful to know that all "top size" bulbs of the same type, tulips for example, will be comparable in size. 

For the clearest understanding of what you are buying, look for circumference measurements in centimeters or inches.  If you don't see these, ask the seller.  This information should be available for your use.

4.  Currency exchange rates drive prices - Wholesale prices for imported bulbs vary considerably based on the strength of the US dollar.  This affects retail prices for American gardeners and explains why bulbs may be more expensive one year than another.

When the dollar is weak some flower bulb sellers compensate by holding their retail prices steady, but dropping their bulb size.  Watch for this as you make purchase decisions.

5.  Claim yours early - Unlike a manufacturer, Mother Nature can't put on a third shift to keep up with demand when a garden plant becomes popular.  To avoid having to settle for your second or third choice, it's smart to place orders early.  Your bulbs will be held in temperature and humidity controlled coolers until planting conditions are right in your part of the country.  Meanwhile, you can relax knowing that while the most popular bulbs will sell out early, you're all set.  Most reputable bulb sellers won't charge your credit card until your selection is shipped, so there's only upside to ordering early.  (We charge cards the day the packed boxes leave our building.)

Professional growers order up to a year in advance to ensure that they get exactly what they want.

6.  Consider longevity vs cost - A plant that is suited to its growing environment will usually live for years.  Keep this in mind as you consider flower bulb purchases.  Professional growers evaluate cost relative to the productive lifespan of a flower bulb.

Is a showy gladiola that graces your back fence for the next half dozen years worth 45 cents?  65 cents?  (About the cost of that chocolate bar that disappears in less than 5 minutes . . . )