Tulip bulbs - where to order from?

[LIZS]

Inspired by Keukenhof we want to create a couple of tulip areas. Where has the best range by mail order, not too pricey as we will need a fair few in coordinating varieties. Looking at Hayloft/T&M so far.

Best quality bulbs I ever had were from Peter Nyssen, but not the cheapest. Though the price does go down the more you order.

it's a bit late now. usually bulbs are on sale from september and the most popular are sold out quickly.

I use Parkers - once they sent the wrong bulbs and refunded in full, so I've been loyal ever since. Still enjoy looking at the wrong bulbs every year 😁

Also reasonable prices.

Peter Nyssen. Not sure what stock they will have left. I ordered mine in August

Farmer Gracy is good for bulbs.

I just had an absolute haul, including other bulbs from Dutchgrown.co.uk

I second this

Me too. Have always had good results with theirs.

Thank you, off to explore. Any tips for getting a good effect? I’m thinking one or two key varieties and a couple to complement, probably spacing tighter than suggested.

Have fun! You probably thought of this but keep an eye on flowering times. I planned a lovely planting scheme one year but one colour of tulip was nearly over before the other one was out!

If you wamt a lot, try https://www.dutchbulbs.co.uk/tulips/shop-all-tulips/ which is the wholesale branch of J Parkers. Watch out for the small order charge and the fact that VAT isn't included in the quoted prices. Nevertheless they are ridiculously cheap compared to others.

I usually look at websites like Sarah Raven and Crocus for ideas and then get the same or similar bulbs elsewhere. Though at this time of year you'll be able to get a lot of heavily discountd bulbs from various places, but you may not have a lot of choice.

I see you're looking at T&M, I've just ordered 80 of these for £23 to replace some that have gone missing, goodness knows how. https://www.thompson-morgan.com/p/tulip-purple-passion-blend/WKC1346TM

Also consider using some non tulips to set them off and extend the season. Like this https://www.thompson-morgan.com/p/tulip-hyacinth-anemone-mix/v81389TM

Enjoy!

Farmer Gracy - I’ve ordered from them a few times and the quality is great. I’ve not ordered bulbs from Sarah Raven so I can’t comment on bulb quality, but I had a terrible experience with delivery on an order of seeds and some sowing equipment and would never order from her again!

We have gone with Farmer Gracy for specific varieties and will supplement with more basic ones. Thank you for all the advice. Look forward to planting them and seeing the colours in the spring.

If you're planting a couple of large areas, I'd compare the price per bulb rather than just the packet price, as bulk discounts can make quite a difference. It's also worth checking the bulb size and flowering time so your colour combinations look good together and bloom around the same time. I'd order sooner rather than later, especially for popular varieties, as the best colours can sell out quickly. Another option is to look at specialist bulb nurseries, which sometimes have a better selection of varieties than the larger general garden retailers.

Very impressed with our Farmer Gracy delivery although weather and illness has prevented us planting them so far. Hoping for a few clear warmer days to get them in before the end of the month.

Hope you get them planted soon!
The colourful postcards included in the delivery are a nice touch too.

Farmer Gracy sell big, fat, healthy bulbs. Big is best according to Gardeners World.

Don't worry too much about planting tulips late. I usually aim to plant by Christmas eve but several times have planted early to mid January and have still got fantastic displays.

Oops I see you already ordered from them