Where to buy bulbs for autumn plantingI

[SilverSixpence]

I am getting ahead of myself a little, but want to plant lots of alliums and tulips to flower next year. I have had a look online and Sarah Raven has a good selection and prices aren't bad compared to other online shops - or will I be better off waiting? Do cheaper places like Wilkinsons and pound shops do them in the autumn? I am mostly interested in buying a combination of dark black/purple tulips and bright pink/orange, as well as allium cristophii. I don't need huge numbers probably about 40-60 bulbs max.

Have you not got a local G/centre ?as I'm sure their prices would be better than Sarah ravens,queen of the night is a good dark tulip btw.

I buy mine online from peternyssen. They are very good quality.

I looked at peter nyssen earlier in the day and thought they looked good value thanks

Try www.jparkers.co.uk

yes, wilkinsons and pound shops do them. The Wilkos near me has a big selection every autumn. They have always been decent quality, but they won't have been nurtured the way SR's will have been.

but I find bulbs don't really last very long, so I don't mind buying cheap every year rather than investing in excellence which will then disappear after a year or two anyway. I also managed to forget to plant all the tulip bulbs I bought online last year, so that was a complete waste of money.

I get mine from our local market.

The thing about Sarah Raven IMHO is that she has a fabulous eye for colour, so the tulip varieties she sells are generally rather beautiful. You can't generally buy the varieties she sells elsewhere though the prices of those she does sell are pretty good per bulb, but from a quick look at say Prinses Irene, SR means you have buying a minimum 15 £6.50, while Nyssen will sell you 5 for £3.50. Mind, 15 together would look gorgeous.

I have basically bought the SR jewel tulip collection from Peter Nyssen. Quite pleased as 50 bulbs will be plenty in my tiny garden and have also ordered the alliums and some ranunculus.

Avon Bulbs are very good and cheaper than Sarah Raven.
They have a lovely catalogue, and their website explains when to order for which time of the year.