Brief run-down on Bulb size
One of the biggest secrets to a successful floral display or harvest lies not just in the variety of bulbs you choose, but also in the size of the bulbs. Selecting the right bulb size is essential to getting a flower that suits your particular needs.
Understanding Bulb Size terminology:
Before diving into the selection process, it's essential to understand the terminology associated with bulb sizes. Bulbs are typically graded by their circumference measured in centimeters. For example- Tulips rated as 12+ have a circumference of at least 12 centimeters. Lily Bulbs rated as 12/14 should have circumference that lies between 12 and 14 centimeters.
Larger bulbs generally have more stored energy reserves, which translate into stronger, healthier plants with more impactful blooms and/or additional buds per stem.
Factors to Consider When choosing bulb size-
Type of Flower: Different types of flowers have varying requirements when it comes to bulb size. For example, large, showy flowers like tulips and daffodils often benefit from larger bulbs (size 12cm or larger), while smaller varieties such as crocuses and snowdrops thrive from much smaller bulbs. Some bulbs (like Amaryllis) can be up to 42cm!
Desired Flower Size: If you’re looking for a more robust flower with more buds you will want to have a larger bud size. For example- a 12/14 size lily may only produce one or two medium sized buds, whereas a 16/18 bulb of the exact same variety may produce 4-5 extra large buds. You may want the smaller flowers for market bouquets, or maybe you’re interested in a very large statement flower in the garden- where a larger bulb may be better.
Landscape vs. Cut Flower use: When planting in the landscape, many folks choose to use the smaller bulbs due to their lower price. Larger bulbs can be significantly more expensive. A reputable supplier should be able to tell you what size your bulbs will be.
Have any questions about bulb size? Let us know in the comments below!
-Karissa
