Naturalizing bulbs

View all narcissus bulbs

Naturalizing bulbs

"Naturalizing bulbs return to your garden every year, shipped directly from our nursery to your home."

Naturalizing bulbs, such as narcissus, are hardy spring-flowering bulbs that naturalize in the garden, not in containers. Like perennials, they return on their own each season. After flowering, leave the bulbs in the soil. Narcissus produce stunning, large blooms for weeks. You don’t need a green thumb, they are incredibly easy. Place them in a sunny spot, and enjoy their blooms every spring. These perennial bulbs are among the easiest and most rewarding to grow. The ‘Manly’ narcissus is a refined double flower in white, cream, and orange tones, a favorite of our grower, Henk. Naturalizing bulbs are also known as stinzenbollen.

TIP:  Plant bulbs in a sunny area with undisturbed soil. They multiply naturally, so avoid disturbing the ground. Ideal locations include lawn areas or roadside verges, where they form a fairy-tale carpet of blooms. Do not cut back foliage after flowering, allow it to die back naturally. Only resume mowing lawns six weeks after bloom.

Order naturalizing bulbs

At FAM Flower Farm you can easily order naturalizing bulbs online. We ship them to your home when it’s planting time, from October through mid-December. In addition to narcissus, we offer tulips, dahlias and flower seeds. Our bulbs are beloved spring and summer bloomers that transform any garden into a colorful spectacle. We also feature a selection of unusual tulips and dahlias.

When to order naturalizing bulbs

You can purchase narcissus bulbs from July 1 to December 1 at FAM Flower Farm. All bulbs are cultivated on our nursery in Lisse.

Planting naturalizing bulbs

Narcissus bulbs thrive in the cold, as they need it to bloom. For best results, plant them in autumn during October, November or December. But be careful not to plant them too late (after December 15), as heavy frost can damage them. Our narcissus bulbs are extra large to ensure beautiful, full blooms. We can’t wait for spring!

Naturalizing bulbs: planting guide

Wild narcissus grow naturally in meadows, so these bulbs can be planted scattered throughout your garden to create a natural look. Alternatively, plant them in dense groups in borders or in pots. Narcissus dislike waterlogged soil, so be sure the ground drains well. Loosen the soil a bit, plant each bulb with the tip facing upward, cover with soil, press gently and you’re done. All the nutrients are already in the bulb, so planting is nearly foolproof. We include detailed planting instructions with every bulb order.

Naturalizing bulbs: bloom time

Between March and April the narcissus come into bloom. Tourists from around the world travel to the famous flower fields in Lisse, but why travel when you can have your own narcissus display at home?

Naturalizing bulbs: about narcissus

Narcissus are easy and rewarding spring flowers that require little care. During dry spells it is important to water regularly. Since the narcissus is a perennial bulb, proper care after flowering ensures it will return each spring.

Care after flowering

When the flowers have faded, cut away only the flower stems and allow the foliage to remain. The leaves should turn yellow before removal, as this allows the bulb to store vital nutrients for the following year. Once fully yellowed, trim the foliage away. In winter you can leave the bulbs in the ground, covering them with fallen leaves for protection. Some varieties remain low with small blooms, while others grow tall and produce spectacular flowers. Many bulbs produce multiple flowers with a lovely scent—pure enjoyment.

Naturalizing bulbs in pots

Narcissus bulbs also thrive in pots. In spring they emerge beautifully, and you can pick some for indoor enjoyment. Plant several bulbs together so you can both leave a display outside and bring some inside to enjoy.

A bit of narcissus history

Narcissus is not only a flower, but also a figure from Greek mythology. Narcissus, son of the river god Cephisus and the nymph Liriope, was said to be the most handsome youth in Greece. He attracted many suitors but had little interest in love. One day he saw his reflection in a pond and fell in love with it. Unable to leave his reflection, he neglected food and drink until he perished. Where he died, a flower sprang up: the narcissus.

Want to learn more about narcissus bulbs? Read our blogs:

• How do I plant narcissus bulbs?
• Can I plant narcissus bulbs in pots?
• Can I mix narcissus with other flowers in a vase?
• Special bulb varieties