How to Buy Flower Bulbs Online

Flower bulbs come in many shapes and sizes.

Buying bulbs online may seem as simple as a quick "point and click," but ensuring you receive quality bulbs is a bit trickier. Look for specific information when purchasing flower bulbs from a website.

Size

Planting many smaller bulbs is more economical in large beds.

Buy only from reputable sources that list bulb size. Nurseries categorize bulbs into numeric or alphabetic grades, but look for measurements as well. Larger bulbs produce larger plants and showier flowers. However, you may choose to purchase smaller, inexpensive bulbs for mass plantings.

Botanical Name

Yet another bluebell.

Some discount sellers simply list common names on their websites, which makes a difference when buying certain plants. Bluebells, for example, may be the tender bulbs of Scilla peruviana or the hardy bulbs of Endymion hispanicus. Always look for a scientific or botanical name listed next to the common name.

Planting Time

If you order bulbs late in the season, plant them as soon as possible, even if they sprout ahead of planting.

Many, but not all, online sources sell and ship bulbs at the appropriate time for planting. Consider the shipping time frame and whether you will need to store the bulbs until the correct season. Also look for guarantees and time limits on returns.

References

• University of Kentucky College of Agriculture: Spring, Summer and Fall Bulbs
• University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension: Fall Bulbs

Resources

• International Bulb Society