Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
|
|
Soil
Moist, fertile garden soil.
|
Position
Full sun to partial shade in late winter, partial shade in summer.
|
Frost tolerant
Excellent. Snowdrops are hardy to -32C (-25F).
|
Feeding
Topdress with a balanced organic fertiliser when new growth appears.
|
Companions
Snowdrops naturalise well in light shade, and can be grown in lawns that are not mowed until late spring. Snowdrops combine well with crocuses, scillas, and early-blooming daffodils.
|
Spacing
Single Plants: 10cm (3") each way (minimum)
Rows: 10cm (3") with 10cm (3") row gap (minimum)
|
Sow and Plant
Set out dormant bulbs during autumn, planting them 3in (8cm) deep. Allow 10cm (4in) between bulbs. Over time they will fill in with seedlings and offsets.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
|
Notes
Like crocuses, snowdrops are considered harbingers of spring, often blooming before the last snow. Expect snowdrops to spread when planted in a hospitable spot.
|
Harvesting
Seeds can be gathered and re-sown in early summer. Established clumps can be dug and moved in the autumn, but are best left undisturbed.
|
Troubleshooting
Snowdrops need a period of winter chilling, and will not persist long in warmer areas.
|