Flower bulbs ~ tips on buying the best bulbs

You don't need to be an expert to have success with flower bulbs. All the facts you need to choose (and plant) bulbs are easy to find. Pre-packaged Dutch bulbs provide planting instructions and other information on their labels. Bulbs bought in bulk from a garden center usually come with information slips. Mail-order firms list the necessary information in their catalogues and include instructions with the bulbs when shipped.

Consider your climate

There are bulbs suited to most any climate condition. However, not every bulb performs at its peak in every zone. Your bulb supplier is your best source of information on which bulb varieties are best suited to your area.

Avoid soft, mushy or moldy bulbs and those that are heavily bruised.
Bulbs have an outer papery skin or "tunic" (just like an onion) that may become loose or torn. This condition does not damage the bulbs and may actually promote faster rooting after the bulb is planted.
Consider "bargains" carefully. Less expensive flower bulbs often are smaller in size than the main selections and will produce smaller flowers. They may not be appropriate for high profile plantings. However, buying smaller bulbs can be an inexpensive means of bringing color to large expanses of the yard, say, along a backyard fence or bordering a driveway.
Indulge yourself with an unplanned selection. After creating your garden plan, treat yourself to one spontaneous selection just for fun. Experiment with a whim perhaps a half-dozen narcissus bulbs in a luscious shade of pink you've never seen before or an early-blooming species tulip. Experts suggest trying something new each year as a means of updating the garden plan and helping to keep your imagination fresh.
When you buy flower bulbs on the internet...make sure the company you deal with has a good guarantee policy.
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