OT-Outdoor Bulbs

[zachsmomie]

This is somewhat OT but somewhat not since I don't want to waste my money by buying from the wrong company.

We are finally getting some much needed yard work completed and part of that involves a fence. I want to plant some perenials, like irises, there and some daffodils and crocuses and tulips in another section of the yard. There are so many places to buy bulbs from online. I had an order ready to go and then read some horrible reviews about the company about how the bulbs did not take and customer service was nonresponsive to billing errors and such.

Does anyone have a recommendation of where to order from? Have you used someone who is reputable?

I don't want to throw my money away.

Thanks.

 

[dfchelbay]

This is somewhat OT but somewhat not since I don't want to waste my money by buying from the wrong company.

We are finally getting some much needed yard work completed and part of that involves a fence. I want to plant some perenials, like irises, there and some daffodils and crocuses and tulips in another section of the yard. There are so many places to buy bulbs from online. I had an order ready to go and then read some horrible reviews about the company about how the bulbs did not take and customer service was nonresponsive to billing errors and such.

Does anyone have a recommendation of where to order from? Have you used someone who is reputable?

I don't want to throw my money away.

Thanks.

Bulbs are to be planted in the fall. If you plant now they will not take and you will be throwing your money away. Wait until the fall and get them then. Lowes, Home Depot, and all local nurseries will have bulbs at that time. If you go to the store now, you can buy (probably on clearance too) some iris plants, and maybe daffodils if they have any left. Since they have already bloomed for this year you'll get them really cheap. Just plant them like a perennial and they will bloom for you next year in the spring.

 

[kellia]

Actually, not all bulbs are planted in the fall, just the ones that bloom in spring. I just got a bunch of the ones that you plant in the spring (April-May) and bloom in the summer for 75% off. I just finished planting them this morning! I just pick them up at 'superstores' or home improvement stores as they go on sale.

I only plant perennials in my gardens, then have a couple hanging baskets of annuals. If you do buy plants, some stores like Meijer, Lowes, and I think HD have guarantees will cover them for a year. Just keep your receipt and bring it in if it dies. I especially like this for pricier bushes and trees that don't make it through the winter. Since I don't have a green thumb at all, these guarantees have worked well for me!

 

[mickeytattoo95]

I love bulbs, but I'd rather buy them from a top rated grower. I don't know what company you were referring to when you saw bad reviews, but I hope it's not the one I use. I buy from American Meadows online. If you buy fall bulbs, they ship them to you during your zone's planting season. If you buy spring bulbs, same deal. I have always had outstanding blooms from them!!! Never a bad one in the bunch and always 2x as big as anything I buy at Lowes. Last year I planted over 250 daffodils and they were gorgeous. I had to dig the bulbs up to move them when a stump man came out. When I transplanted them I saw they they are already multiplying.

I've got some spring bulbs that are about to bloom right now: gladiolas, dalias, etc. If you sign up for their online newsletter they will send you coupon codes. Here's one I've got you can try:
$5 off $30 purchase, type SAVE in at check out

 

[BCV2003]

I have only purchased tulip bulbs and I have always purchased them from Breck's online. Their tulip bulbs produce gorgeous, large blooms!

 

[zachsmomie]

I love bulbs, but I'd rather buy them from a top rated grower. I don't know what company you were referring to when you saw bad reviews, but I hope it's not the one I use. I buy from American Meadows online. If you buy fall bulbs, they ship them to you during your zone's planting season. If you buy spring bulbs, same deal. I have always had outstanding blooms from them!!! Never a bad one in the bunch and always 2x as big as anything I buy at Lowes. Last year I planted over 250 daffodils and they were gorgeous. I had to dig the bulbs up to move them when a stump man came out. When I transplanted them I saw they they are already multiplying.

I've got some spring bulbs that are about to bloom right now: gladiolas, dalias, etc. If you sign up for their online newsletter they will send you coupon codes. Here's one I've got you can try:
$5 off $30 purchase, type SAVE in at check out

No, it wasn't them. It was Van something. Thank you for the code. I placed my order and have my fingers crossed!

 

[mrs.sammich]

OP-I'm just an hour north of you- I love Brent and Becky's bulbs- they are in VA. They mostly ship, but you can hit an open house day for a 'field trip.' I've ordered from them for years. Top quality bulbs, great customer service and really nice people. They have two catalogs- bulbs to install in the fall, which includes pre-chilled bulbs for forcing in pots or for the south and other bulbs for winter displays. The second catalog is spring installations for summer blooms. Their website is super helpful too!

My other second favorite is Colorblends. They have premade combinations of bulbs that work well together at bloom time. A super idea for those who don't realize tulips will bloom at different times during the spring. Wonderful pictures, quality bulbs and no issues with my orders.

Just keep in mind, if there are deer around, you will be feeding them your tulips if you take no action to protect them.

 

[swilshire]

Just keep in mind, if there are deer around, you will be feeding them your tulips if you take no action to protect them.

A local beautification group gave away tulip bulbs this year. 20 per person for all who were willing to stand in line in the freezing cold. I took my two youngest sons and DH, so we got 80. Then the group repeated three more weekends before they gave all their supply away. DH didn't go once, so we had a total of 300 bulbs.

First day, we planted about 25. The next morning, all 25 were gone. From there, it was a constant fight with the deer and whatever other critters dug them up every night. We put wire on top of them, which was only slightly successful. We tried moth balls. In the end, we got a few tulips, but not many. The pot I took to work had a few nice ones.

We have great daffodils. I read here that daffodil bulbs are bitter and the animals won't eat them. We also have a few crocus.

I'm sure glad I didn't buy all these bulbs. It was bad enough driving to town and standing in line just to have them eaten. I would have been just sick if I'd paid for them.

Sheila