10 Best Spring Blooming Cut Flower Bulbs

We know it’s blistering hot outside, but guess what? It’s the ideal time to plan for next spring’s garden! That’s because fall bulb planting is right around the corner, and if you’re planning to add to your spring-blooming bulb garden (well, of course you are), then then planning actually starts now.

And just for fun, let’s narrow down our topic a bit and talk about spring-blooming bulbs that are great as cut flowers — because who doesn’t want a stunning spring bulb display that doubles as a cut flower garden? The trick to having a cut flower garden is to choose bulbs that develop flowers with staying power and strong stems — and we’ve gathered our top 10 for you here!

Top 10 Spring Blooming Cut Flower Bulbs

1. Daffodils: With their sunny faces and easygoing demeanor, daffodils are some of the most popular bulbs in the spring garden. Gardeners love these cheerful bulbs because they are resistant to nearly any critter you can imagine, and they easily naturalize over the years. One thing to remember about daffs is that they release a sap after you cut them — and that sap can damage other flowers in the vase. If you’re only planning to have a daffodil arrangement, you’re good to go. But if you want to combine them with other flowers, condition them first by setting the cut stems into water for about 30 minutes before adding them in a larger arrangement.
   
   
2. Allium: These late-spring bloomers are also fairly critter-resistant, and grow anywhere from 5” to 4’ tall — and with a variety of bloom shapes and colors! Their wiry stems make them ideal for cutting, and their tiny florets within each flowerhead add amazing texture to any arrangement.
   
   
3. Ranunculus: These ruffly, fluffy beauties add an element of charm and romance to any garden and flower arrangement. They can appear similar to roses with their layers of petals, but do not have a scent, making them ideal for those who are sensitive to fragrance. 
   
   
4. Tulips: What’s not to love about this immediately recognizable spring bloomer? Tulips offer an amazing range of colors from white to dark purple, cheerful to moody, and blend extremely well with other cut flowers. They have a little quirk, though (and we’re not judging; we love quirks around here) — their stems continue to grow once they’re cut! This can throw off your arrangement after a few days, so either cut them shorter to begin with, or simply adjust and re-trim every couple of days to keep your arrangement consistent.
   
   
5. Siberian Iris: Siberian Iris adds a strong vertical statement in your garden and in arrangements with their upright, architectural growth. And unlike other flowers, they stick to a palette of blue, purple, yellow, and white — they simply know what colors look best on them! Oh, and they’re deer resistant, too. Major score.
   
   
6. Calla lilies: These tropical beauties create instant drama and elegance whether they are arranged on their own or combined with other cut flowers. Plus, they are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers around, looking great for up to two weeks in a vase!
   
   
7. Freesia: Freesias are the chameleons of the flowering bulb world. They offer a wide range of bright colors, have single or double forms, and either funnel-shaped or flat blooms — and for those of you looking for a scented flower for your arrangements, freesia is difficult to beat!
   
   
8. Hyacinth: This spring bloomer is enchanting with blooms consisting of smaller florets placed along the thick stems. Hyacinths tend to be shorter plants, ideal for those charming smaller arrangements. They have a lovely scent, are deer-resistant, and many grow well in both cold and warm climates. 
   
   
9. Lily of the Valley: These tiny charmers feature white or pale pink bell-shaped flowers with a lovely scent — and their arching stems add a softening layer to casual cut flower arrangements.
   
   
10. Italian bulbs: Italian anemone and ranunculus are two flowering bulbs that you will definitely want in your cut flower garden. Italian anemone is one of the earliest of the spring bloomers, and lasts up to two weeks in a vase! Italian ranunculus is a favorite of wedding planners and florists because of their large flower heads, dazzling petals, and longevity after cutting.

Tips for Cut Flower Care 

• Plan to cut your flowers earlier in the morning when they are their freshest — they can dehydrate throughout the day.
• Use knives, clippers, or shears to cut the stems — never use kitchen scissors, which can crush the stem and prevent it from adequately taking in water.
• Cut stems at an angle, increasing the cut surface space for the maximum uptake of water.
• Have a bucket of water nearby and place cut flowers in immediately; your goal is to stress them as little as possible so they’re happy in their vases indoors.
• Run freshly cut stems under cool water once indoors, and remove any foliage that will be underneath the water line.
• Arrange your flowers and change out the water every couple of days (more frequently if necessary).

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