Flowering bulbs for spring

Spring has finally, maybe, sort of, almost arrived in Oklahoma! The daily temperatures may be confused about the season, but the beautiful spring flowers know that it’s spring.

Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and more!

When it comes to gifting flowering bulbs, you generally have two options: incorporate them in a cut bouquet or send them as a live plant in a basket. There are some pros and cons to each approach.

How long will they last?

As a cut bouquet, many flowering bulbs will only last a few days to maybe a week. You can help extend their life by changing the water daily and trimming a little bit off the bottom of the stems.

As a potted plant, however, flowering bulbs can last much longer with proper watering and sunlight. Place them in a sunny window and check the soil moisture every other day. Be careful not to over water, as that can cause the bulb to rot and die.

Can I replant them outdoors?

It’s certainly worth a try! Flowering bulbs grown for florist use are often grown in specific conditions that force them to grow and bloom outside of their normal season. In some cases, bulbs that have been forced may not adapt well to regular outdoor conditions. Other bulbs will do just fine.

As the blooms on your flower fade, pinch off any spent blooms but leave the green parts of the plant to grow. Continue to water the plant to keep the soil evenly moist until the foliage dies back naturally. Don’t remove the leaves until they have turned yellow or brown and pull away from the bulb. While the leaves are still green, the plant is storing energy to help the bulbs grow.

Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are planted in the fall and bloom in the spring. Some other bulbs are planted in the early spring and bloom the same season. A quick online search can provide specific instructions for how to plant the bulbs in your own flower beds.

What else should I know about flowering bulbs?

Depending on the time of year you want to purchase flowering bulbs (and even the day of the week), a potted version of flowering bulbs may not be flowering at the time of delivery. Delivering these plants when buds aren’t yet open means the recipient gets to enjoy the maximum amount of time in bloom. If you want a little extra color at the time of delivery, we can incorporate ribbons, silk flowers, or balloons along with the potted plant.