How to Buy Snowdrops

The snowdrop (Galanthus) is a bulbous plant that is a member of the Amaryllis family. It produces white bell-like flowers in early spring that grow from 2 to 6 inches in height. The bulbs of the snowdrop are small and sold while they are still fresh from the ground and green. Snowdrops prefer winter regions or places where the weather stays colder. They do not grow well in areas that have warm winters. The snowdrop is best suited for U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 7.

Instructions

- 1
  Visit your local nursery or place a mail order for snowdrops in early fall. Since snowdrops are sold as green bulbs, they are generally for sale only for a short period of time.
- 2
  Choose the variety and species of snowdrop you would like to plant. Consider the popular garden snowdrop for its vivid white color, the flora pleno for its double white flowers, or the Sam Arnott, which produces a larger bloom and has heart-shaped green markings. Although there are over 75 varieties and species of snowdrops, all of them produce flowers of white.
- 3
  Check the package to make sure the bulbs are not dry. Bulbs should appear fresh and firm to the touch, like a clove of garlic. Avoid bulbs that are lightweight or have a dry feel to them.
- 4
  Plant the snowdrops as soon as they arrive or immediately after you get them home. Bulbs will start to dry out if they are not placed in the ground shortly after they are harvested. The sooner they are planted, the better the chances of them flowering in the spring.

How to Save Elephant Ears

What End of a Flower Bulb Do You Plant Down?

Bulbs