Fritillaria Planting Guide
Fritillarias (Fritillaria spp.) are great for colder climates - they add a boost of colour and texture to the spring garden. Delicate drooping bell shaped blooms in yellows, oranges and bronze.
1. When to Plant...
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Planting Season: The best time to plant Fritillaria bulbs is March to May (but, as soon as you receive your bulbs, you should get them planted... they don't like being out of the ground for long) This allows the bulbs to establish roots before the chillier winter months.
2. Selecting the Perfect Spot
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Sunlight: Fritillarias thrive in partial shade. If you're in a warm region like us, it is particularly important, as they need protection from the intense heat that summer throws at us! Planting at the root zone with trees and shrubs helps with the conditions that they need.
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Soil Type: Well-draining soil is a must, so avoid waterlogged areas, or clay type soils. If you're worried, plant them in a pot. Fritillaria bulbs are prone to rot in overly wet conditions.
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Shelter: Choose a sheltered spot to protect taller varieties from strong winds, which can damage their delicate stems.
3. Preparing the Soil
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Soil Enrichment: Before planting, enrich the soil with our special Bulb fert, or find yourself some good quality slow release fertilizer.
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Drainage: If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in coarse sand or grit to improve drainage. Or to be safe, pot them up!
4. Planting
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Planting Depth: Plant Fritillaria bulbs at a depth of 2–3 times the height of the bulb. Don't panic too much though, as they tend to find their own way to the perfect depth.
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Spacing: Space the bulbs 10–15 cm apart to allow room for growth and airflow.
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Orientation: Place the bulbs in the hole with the pointed end facing upward. If you’re unsure, plant them on their side, and they will naturally adjust.
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Mulching: After planting, apply a light layer of mulch (e.g., straw or bark) to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
5. Watering and Care
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Watering: Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting. During the growing season, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering once the foliage begins to die back after flowering, and let the soil dry out over the summer months (unless you have biflora's, recurva and uva-vulpis - these don't like being dried out over summer, so keep them a little moist)
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Weeding: Keep the area around the bulbs free of weeds, which can compete for nutrients and water... try and stay clear of that hoe though, as you can very easily damage the bulbs.
