Winter & Early Flowering Bulbs — Snowdrops and Early Crocus
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These are the first bulbs of the Irish gardening year: giant snowdrops, crocus and early miniature daffodils that flower from January into March. Planted this autumn, they bring colour and early nectar for bees when little else is in flower. Free tracked delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
When and how to plant winter and early bulbs in Ireland
Plant these bulbs in September–October. Snowdrops dislike drying out, so plant dry bulbs promptly once they arrive. As a general rule, set bulbs 2–3 times their own height deep, pointed end up, in free-draining soil.
| Bulb | When to plant | Depth | Spacing | Light | Flowers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant snowdrop Galanthus elwesii | September–October | 5–8 cm | Informal drifts | Shade or part shade | January–February |
| Species crocus mix Crocus | September–October | 8–10 cm | 5–8 cm | Sun or part shade | February–March |
| Blue crocus Crocus | September–October | 8–10 cm | 5–8 cm | Sun or part shade | February–March |
| Miniature daffodil Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete' | September–October | 10–15 cm | 10–15 cm | Sun or part shade | February–April |
| Daffodil Narcissus 'February Gold' | September–October | 10–15 cm | 10–15 cm | Sun or part shade | February–April |
Early bulbs in lawns, borders and pots
Crocus and snowdrops look best planted in informal drifts: scatter a handful and plant them where they land, in grass or under deciduous trees. Crocus are an important early nectar source for bees. In a lawn, do not mow until the leaves have yellowed, about six weeks after flowering.
'Tete-a-Tete' is compact enough for window boxes and pots, and works well on the top layer of a lasagne planting above later tulips. Daffodil bulbs are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so store and plant them out of reach. If squirrels or mice dig up crocus, cover the area with chicken wire until shoots appear.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant snowdrop bulbs in Ireland?
Plant dry snowdrop bulbs promptly in September–October, 5–8 cm deep in shade or part shade. They dislike drying out, so do not store them for long.
Can you plant crocus bulbs in a lawn?
Yes. Plant them 8–10 cm deep in informal drifts and hold off mowing until the leaves turn yellow, about six weeks after flowering.
What is the earliest flowering bulb for Irish gardens?
Snowdrops are usually first, flowering in January–February, followed by crocus and early daffodils such as 'February Gold' and 'Tete-a-Tete'.
Browse crocus bulbs and naturalising bulbs, or read why now is the time to plant spring bulbs.
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