Snowdrops (Galanthus) Planting & Growing Guide
Planting Guide Information
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2-3"
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2-3" Apart
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Fall
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Early season bloomers that are charming in cottage gardens, woodlands or meadows.
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Moderate
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Late Winter to Early Spring
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Partial Sun to Partial Shade
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Zones 3-8
Additional Growing Information
Outdoor Beds
Pots, Barrels, Tubs & Urns
- Find a location where the soil drains well. If there are still puddles of water 5-6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site. Or amend the soil with the addition of organic material to raise the level 2-3 inches to improve the drainage. Peat moss, compost, ground bark or decomposed manure all work well and are widely available.
- Plant your snowdrops in light to moderate shade. (Elwesii prefers full sun to light shade.)
- Dig holes and plant the bulbs about 3" apart and with their pointed tops 2-3” below the soil surface. Position the bulbs with the pointy end facing up.
- After planting, water well to settle the soil around the bulbs. Most bulbs will begin to grow roots in just a week or two but you won't see activity above the soil until late winter or early spring.
- When the season's blooms are past, your snowdrops need to store energy for next year's show. Allow the leaves to photosynthesize (process sunlight to produce food) until they yellow and wither, before removing the spent foliage. Trimming still-green foliage will reduce plants' ability to nourish next year's flowers, resulting in fewer, smaller flowers.
- Water during the autumn and winter with a water-soluble fertilizer to nourish the bulbs as they develop new roots and top growth. Your bulbs will survive without fertilizer, but providing extra nutrients encourages more flowers, larger blossoms and longer life for your bulbs.
Pots, Barrels, Tubs & Urns
- Fill your containers with good quality, well-drained soil. Almost any commercially available potting medium will work fine. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes; galanthus bulbs must never sit in water logged soil or they will rot.
- Plant your snowdrops in light to moderate shade. (Elwesii prefers full sun to light shade.)
- Plant your snowdrops close to each other, with hips about an inch apart, for the most brilliant display. Tuck them down 2-3” inches into the soil. Position the bulbs with the pointy end facing up. Feel free to plant early blooming snow crocuses, a perfect companion for snowdrops, in the same container.
- After planting, water well to settle the soil around the bulbs. Most bulbs will begin to grow roots in just a week or two but you won't see activity above the soil until late winter or early spring.
- When the season's blooms are past, your snowdrops need to store energy for next year's show. Allow the leaves to photosynthesize (process sunlight to produce food) until they yellow and wither, before removing the spent foliage. Trimming still-green foliage will reduce plants' ability to nourish next year's flowers, resulting in fewer, smaller flowers.
- Water during the autumn and winter with a water-soluble fertilizer to nourish the bulbs as they develop new roots and top growth. Your bulbs will survive without fertilizer, but providing extra nutrients encourages more flowers, larger blossoms and longer life for your bulbs.
From the Family
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