Too late to plant Blue Bells?

Rebecca · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 2:43 pm Post subject: Too late to plant Blue Bells?

Is it too late in the year to plant Blue Bell bulbs in our woods?
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wedgetomb · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:32 am Post subject:

No, not too late, you might not see them flower this year, but definitily next year,

BlackBird · Silver Birch Tree Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 165

As wedgetomb said it is never to late to plant a few bluebells. But just two points, number one, you will have a have a difficult job finding quality bluebell bulbs now besides the shrivelled left overs from last seasons planting. Number two, most bulbs (bluebells included) need a period of give or take 5 months in the ground before sprouting. That time must include a period of chilling weather to prompt them to grow and bloom.
So the usual time for planting bluebells is August-September for flowering in March-April. As wedgetomb said "you might not see them flower this year, but definitily next year". In that case personally I would wait for fresh bulb stock in the garden centres next August-September.

Rebecca · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 12:05 pm Post subject:

Ok, thanks for the info. I'll try and remember in September. We have an oak wood plantation here and I'm doing my best to naturalise it, and manage it 'close to nature'. A bed of bluebells would be ideal and beautiful. There's already some wild garlic. What else could I put introduce at ground level?

volga · Hazel Tree Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 37 Location: Dublin