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Ordering from Colorblends

When should I order spring-flowering bulbs?

Spring-flowering bulbs must be planted in the fall. We take orders for fall delivery from the beginning of the year until the window for fall planting closes (usually some time in December). We try to anticipate demand, but some selections do sell out. If you order before fall arrives, you should get all the bulbs you order. After receiving your order, we reserve your bulbs, waiting to deliver them until the ideal time for planting: when soil temperatures in your area approach 55 degrees F. We will not charge your credit card until we ship your bulbs.

Note: Gardeners in Zones 8-10 in the South and on the West Coast must place orders for tulips, crocuses and hyacinths by October 15 to allow time for shipping and precooling. For more on precooling tulips (and other bulbs), click here. If you are not sure of your zone, see our Zone map.

How do I get a catalog?

Click here and fill out the online form. Current customers automatically receive a copy of the current year's catalog in late July.

Is there a minimum order?

Yes. To keep our prices low, we do not accept orders of less than $50.

Can homeowners order from Colorblends?

Yes. Please be aware that there is a $50 order minimum and that bulbs must be ordered in the multiples specified in our catalog and on this website.

I have never planted bulbs before, where do I start?

Bulbs are reliable and rewarding workhorses in any garden, and they are the best source of early-spring color. Tulips and Hyacinths do best in well-prepared beds. Daffodils and the smaller specialty bulbs are especially amenable to naturalizing in the yard and landscape. Be aware that most flowering bulbs require well-drained soil and at least a half day of spring sunshine to thrive.

In your first season we recommend dividing your budget among a variety of bulbs--e.g., a mix of crocus, blue squill, daffodils, alliums and tulips. That way you can see what you like and determine what works best in different areas of your garden.

I have a small yard and a bag of 100 bulbs is too much for me.

All Colorblends Solids tulips and most daffodils are also available in quantities of 25. There are many Colorblends city gardeners.

Do you sell only in blends?

For the most part, yes, but we also offer many individual varieties. We can ship any single color from one of our blends (in multiples of 100 only), so long as orders are placed before Sept. 15.

Do you have bulb varieties that are not listed in your catalog?

We maintain inventory of several popular varieties that are not listed in the catalog. We can also fill special orders, so long as (1) the variety is available in Holland, (2) the order is for a multiple of 100 bulbs and (3) the order is placed before Sept. 15.

If I order one of your blends, will I be able to tell what color I am planting so I can alternate the colors? Do the bulbs come in separate packages

The bulbs in our blends come premixed in a single package. You can sometimes tell one variety from another by the shape or color of the bulbs, but the whole idea behind the blends is to have a randomly mixed planting. If you would prefer to have your bulbs separated by variety, let us know and we'll try meet your needs. We can accept single color orders in mulitples of 100.

My local home center has bulbs in September that seem very inexpensive.

They are inexpensive because they are smaller than Colorblends bulbs (see our Size Matters page). Large and healthy flowers come from topsize bulbs.

I have a bed I want to fill with bulbs, but I have no idea how many I need. Can you help me order the right number

Please refer to the chart below. We also provide bulbs per square foot with each item description on this website. To calculate the square footage of your bed, see our bed area calculator.

Bulb Type	per sq. foot
Tulips, standard	5
Tulips, wild	9-13
Daffodils, large	4-5
Daffodils, miniature	6-11
Allium Globemaster	1-2
Anemone	20-24
Chionodoxa	20-24
Crocus	8-12
Eranthis	20-24
Fritillaria imperialis	1-2
Fritillaria meleagris	10-11
Galanthus	16-18
Hyacinthoides	5-6
Hyacinthus	3-4
Muscari	14-18
Scilla	15-16

What does "cm" mean in bulb size ?

Bulb size is measured in circumference using centimeters. Here's how to convert to diameter in inches: bulb size in cm / pi (3.14) * .39. So a 12cm+ bulb is at least 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

It's October and I just received my Colorblends order. Now I see that I have room for more bulbs. Can I get more in time to plant them this fall ?

Yes. Turnaround time on orders placed in fall is very fast, but we recommend ordering early as some selections sell out. If we've run out of what you're looking for, we'll be glad to help you choose something else that will suit your needs.

For bloom time, you say "Early," "Mid," or "Late." What do these words mean ?

These are relative bloom times. Because climate varies greatly across the United States and no two springs in any given place are exactly alike, we favor these relative terms over specific months. As an example, an Early variety planted in Memphis may flower 4 weeks before the same bulb planted in Chicago. By selecting bulbs from each category, you can orchestrate a longer blooming season.

Does Colorblends offer gift certificates ?

Yes. Please call us toll free at 1-888-847-8637 for details.

I live outside the U.S. Will you ship to me ?

No. We ship only to U.S. addresses. Government regulations making shipping outside the U.S. prohibitively complicated and expensive.

Do you have a wholesale price list ?

We have just one pricing structure, which is what you see on this website and in our catalog. For orders over 20,000 bulbs, please call 1-888-847-8637 and ask for Tim.

Do you accept purchase orders ?

Purchase orders are accepted from approved institutions, companies, government agencies and organizations. Government agencies, cities, states, counties and public schools are automatically approved.

Do you have a fundraising program for schools, churches and other nonprofit organizations ?

Yes. Please see our fundraising page for more information.

I am looking for bulbs for spring planting, such as cannas, callas, lilies and dahlias. Do your offer them ?

No. We offer only spring-flowering bulbs, which must be planted in the fall.

Shipping and Delivery

What are your shipping charges?

Please see How to Order for shipping charges.

When will my bulbs be delivered?

Spring-flowering bulbs are shipped at planting time in the fall (Sept.- Dec.), when soil temperatures in your area approach 55 degrees F. The first shipments for fall planting leave our warehouse at the beginning of fall (the third week in September). Paperwhites and Amaryllis are available beginning the third week of October.

Can I have spring-flowering bulbs delivered at any time of year ?

No. The once-a-year, spring-flowering bulb crop isn't dug from the ground until late July and the bulbs don't arrive in the United States until September. Temperatures in late August and early September are still too warm for shipping and planting bulbs. The proper time for planting is fall (mid-Sept.-Dec.), when soil temperatures in your area approach 55 degrees F.

There is a trend in the industry to rush the harvest to get a few extra days of sales in early September. We feel that this is a bad trend and harms the bulbs and next year's flowers. For more information see Fingerspitzengefuhl.

I'm getting married in June and would like to use Colorblends bulbs as favors. Can I have bulbs delivered in time for the big event ?

Sorry, no. Bulbs for fall planting are only appropriate as favors if your wedding is between September 20 and Christmas, depending on your location. For spring and summer weddings you must consider a different type of favor. Please call 1 888 847 8637 if you need bulbs for favors. We want to ship your favors so that they arrive at least a week before the big date so that you have time to package them - you have enough details to manage without worrying about last-minute deliveries. The bulbs must be planted in the fall (Sept.-Dec.) before the onset of winter. You cannot store flowerbulbs indefinitely.

I want to give bulbs as a gift (housewarming, public roadside, etc.).

Newlyweds, new homeowners, relatives, churches and neighbors will appreciate your gift of Daffodils and other bulbs for many years to come. We were happy to receive bulbs as a gift after our new septic system was installed and the yard was a depressing wasteland. Please plan your gift to arrive at the appropriate time for planting in the fall (Sept.-Dec.) before the onset of winter . We can ship your gift to your friends, along with a gift card and a gift receipt. Just let us know.

The Colorblends Guarantee

Does Colorblends guarantee its bulbs?

Our first priority is to ensure your success with flowerbulbs. That's why we GUARANTEE to deliver commercially propagated, disease-free bulbs of the stated size and of the highest quality available. We also guarantee that none of our flowerbulbs has been collected from the wild. All flowerbulbs have a certificate of health issued by the United States and Dutch Departments of Agriculture.

If you find a problem with your order, please contact us (1-888-847-8637) within seven (7) days of delivery. We will straighten things out in a courteous and prompt manner. After safe delivery, we cannot assume responsibility for losses due to factors beyond our control (extreme weather, improper storage, delayed planting time). If you have any questions, please call us at 1-888-847-8637.

Storing Bulbs

I just received my bulbs, but I can't plant them right away. How should I store them until I can get them in the ground ?

First, open all crates and boxes. Then place them in a cool, dry, dark area with good air circulation. Temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees F. are ideal, but your bulbs should be fine within a range of 38 to 70 degrees F.

It's late December and I wasn't able to plant all of my bulbs. Can I wait to plant them until spring ?

No. The bulbs must be planted in the ground to establish a root system before going into dormancy for the winter. If you have a January thaw, you might be able to get your bulbs into the ground before the soil freezes again.

I didn't have time to plant my bulbs last fall. It's spring now and my bulbs are still sitting in the basement. Can I plant them, or do I have to throw them away?

You can try planting the healthy bulbs. Discard all bulbs that feel soft or dried out. The bulbs you plant may or may not grow and flower.

Planting and Fertilizing Bulbs

I've never planted bulbs before. What's involved ?

There are two methods of getting bulbs into the ground. The first is to dig a hole for each one using a trowel or a bulb auger. (See the care instructions enclosed with your order or the section of this website for bulb spacing and planting depths.) This approach is best used for informal plantings or for minor bulbs such as crocuses, squills, snowdrops and grape hyacinths.

If you're planting large quantities of tulips, daffodils, or hyacinths in a bed, we recommend that you excavate the entire area to be planted, set the bulbs in place, and then backfill the soil. For photos and more information, click here.

Do bulbs need to be fertilized? If so, when ?

Your bulbs will arrive this fall with next year's flowers already set inside them, so there's no need to fertilize at planting time. If you intend for your bulbs to be long-term players in your landcaspe, you may want to fertilize lightly with a low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring, when the shoots begin to push through the soil. Go easy. More fertilizer doesn't make for more or larger flowers; it just goes to waste.

Caring for Bulbs After They Bloom

My bulbs just finished blooming. What should I do now ?

We recommend that you snap off the top 3 inches of each tulip stem to prevent the bulbs from expending energy on producing seeds. The spent flowers of all other bulbs need be removed only for aesthetic reasons. Don't cut the leaves; they are storing up energy for next year's flowers.

After my bulbs flower, the leaves look fine for a while, then turn yellow and brown and finally dry up completely. Are my bulbs diseased

After they bloom, spring-flowering bulbs store up energy for the following year's display, then go dormant, usually within 6 to 12 weeks. As they go dormant, the foliage yellows and withers and finally dries up. This is perfectly normal.

How long do I have to wait before I can remove bulb foliage ?

You must wait to remove bulb foliage until it has yellowed and is on the verge of collapse. If you cut or tie the foliage while it is still green, you are depriving your bulbs of their means of producing next year's flowers.

Tulips

I've heard that people who live in mild-winter climates such as Florida, southern Louisiana, California and Arizona have to "pre-cool" tulips before they plant them. I live in San Diego. What do I have to do ?

Tulips (and many other spring-flowering bulbs) need a long cold period at temperatures between 35 and 45 degrees F. to bloom properly. In zones 8-10 in the South and on the West Coast (click here for Zone map), the soil temperature never drops below 45 degrees or it doesn't remain there long enough. To have a good tulip display in these areas, gardeners and landscapers must cool the bulbs in a refrigerator for a minimum of 8 weeks (we recommend 10 weeks) before planting them in late fall (late November Ð early January). The bulbs can remain in the refrigerator longer--up to 16 weeks without deteriorating--but we don't recommend planting later than mid-January. We suggest that you order tulips before October 15 to allow sufficient time for shipping and precooling.

Two other suggestions: First, leave the bulbs in our yellow mesh bags during their stay in the fridge. Second, do not put any fruit (apples in particular) in the refrigerator while the bulbs are in residence; the fruit gives off ethylene gas, which may damage the flowers inside the bulbs.

Please note that in zones 8-10, tulips, crocuses and hyacinths must be treated as annuals--i.e., dug and discarded after bloom. Bulbs left in the ground won't receive a cold period, so they won't bloom again in future years.

The first spring after I planted my tulips, they were perfect. The second spring I got half as many flowers. Can you tell me what's wrong with my bulbs?

In all likelihood, there is nothing wrong with your bulbs. In general tulips are not strong perennializers, meaning they don't come back well the second year after planting. Many horticultural magazines and garden writers say to treat tulips as annuals. They say the only way to have a knockout display every year is to lift and discard the bulbs after they flower and replant new bulbs in the fall. Why is this so? All quality topsize tulip bulbs come up perfectly the first spring after planting, but after flowering the bulbs have a tendency to split into many smaller, non-flowering bulbs that produce leaves but fewer flowers.

Some tulips are willing (but not guaranteed) to bloom well for more than one year. See Perennial Tulips for more information.

Are there things I can do to encourage my tulips to bloom well for more than one spring?

There are several things you can do. First, choose a location that receives full sun (at least six hours of direct sun, preferably in the middle of the day) and that provides well-drained soil--deep sandy soil is ideal. Avoid a site that is irrigated in summer; tulips like to be dry during their summer dormancy. Second, snap off the top 3 inches of the flower stem as soon as the blooms fade to prevent the bulbs from expending energy on seed production. Third, allow the leaves to ripen naturally; wait to remove them until they have completely yellowed.

Note: Tulips are not strong regenerative growers. Even if you follow the above recommendations, the bulbs may not flower well after their first spring. Some tulips are genetically pre-disposed to bloom well for more than one year. SeePerennial Tulips for more information.

Do tulip leaves and flowers need to be protected from late frosts ?

Most spring-flowering bulbs, tulips included, are very frost hardy. They are rarely injured by late cold snaps. They should be fine, and actually like cooler weather.

After my tulips go dormant, there will be a big bare space in my garden. Can I plant something on top of the tulips ?

Sure. The tulip bulbs sit well below the reach of most plant roots, and they benefit from upstairs neighbors that take up extra moisture in the soil (tulips need to stay dry during their summer dormancy). The ideal companions are vegetables and annual flowers, because they can be planted after the tulip leaves yellow and they can be pulled up in fall, making way for the reappearance of the tulips the following spring.

Note: If you plant near sprinkler systems or overplant with annuals that require lots of water, your tulip bulbs may rot.

Daffodils

I live in northern Florida and would like to grow Daffodils. Which of the varieties you offer will grow in the Deep South ?

Several of the Daffodils we offer should do well in your area. See Southern Recommended for more information.

Can I grow Daffodils in Southern California ?

Yes. Look for "Western Zone" in the information box next to daffodil varieties. If it says "to 10," that daffodil should do well in Southern California.

I've seen terrific photos of Daffodils growing wild in a field. Can I have that look on my property ?

Yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you get started. First, you need to plant a lot of bulbs to get the desired effect. You can start with several hundred bulbs in one area and add to your planting every fall. Second, planting in unprepared soil can be rough going. Make sure you have an area where the soil is workable. Third, to have a natural-looking planting, plant the way nature plants and avoid straight lines and predictable patterns. Articles on naturalizing daffodils recommend that you toss handfuls of bulbs out onto the ground and plant them where they lie. Finally, daffodil foliage takes a long time to yellow and wither, and there's nothing you can do to speed up the process. You have to wait at least two months before you can cut the grass where the daffodils are planted.

And remember the three keys to success with daffodils: lots of sun, good drainage and allowing the foliage to die back naturally after bloom.

Daffodil foliage seems to take forever to disappear. A friend of mine folds up the leaves and wraps them with rubber bands, which at least keeps things neat. Does this harm the bulbs ?

Yes. The leaves must have maximum access to sunshine to store up the energy needed to produce next year's flowers and foliage. Folding the leaves reduces the surface area exposed to light. To get a perennial display from daffodils, you have to allow the foliage to wither unmolested.

Bulbs for Difficult Sites

I have a very shady yard. Can I plant bulbs? Which ones ?

Spring-flowering bulbs already have next year's flowers inside them when they are delivered to your door. So you are pretty much guaranteed a good display of blooms the first year. If you want your bulbs to flower well in future years, you need to plant them where they will receive ample sunshine until their leaves wither in late spring. Many early-flowering bulbs, such as Crocus, Glory of the Snow, Blue Squill, Winter Wolf's Bane, Snowdrops, manage to satisfy their light requirements before deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves in fall) leaf out in spring. The higher the lowest branches are above the ground the better. Almost nothing will grow beneath a low-branched conifer (a pine, spruce, etc.), but if the limbs start well up the trunk, these early bloomers can succeed. For later bloom in shade, the best choice is Spanish bluebells.

And what about tulips and daffodils? Most tulips need full sun (six hours or more per day) to bloom well in future years. If you have a lot of shade, you should consider pulling the bulbs up after bloom and replanting fresh bulbs in fall. Daffodils are a different story. They can perform quite well for many years so long as they get at least half a day of direct sun, even after the trees leaf out.

I have deer in my yard, what do you recommend?

There are many bulbs, including daffodils, that deer avoid. See our list of deer-resistant bulbs.

Are there any bulbs that grow in wet soil?

Almost all spring-flowering bulbs require well-drained soil, especially during their summer dormancy. If the soil stays wet, they rot. There are only a handful of exceptions. Among the bulbs we offer, spring snowflake, camassia, and snake's head would be the best choice for a damp spot.

My soil is very dry, especially in the summer. Should I avoid planting bulbs ?

To the contrary. If you have dry soil, chances are good that you will succeed with bulbs. Most bulbs need ample moisture in fall, when they are making new roots, and in spring, when they bloom and store up energy they'll need to produce the following year's flowers and foliage. In the summer, when they are dormant, they prefer to be dry. If your soil stays dry in fall or dries out early in spring, you may need to irrigate your bulbs. Otherwise, plant and enjoy the show!

Indoor Bulbs

I've seen pictures of paperwhite bulbs growing in nothing but stones. Is that difficult to do ?

It's not hard at all; the only tricky part is watering them. Begin by choosing a bowl or some other container that holds water (we recommend you use a container made of a transparent material until you gain experience growing paperwhites this way). Put a 2- or 3-inch layer of stones or pebbles (marble chips work well) in the bottom. Set the paperwhite bulbs on top (pack them in--it's OK if the bulbs touch). Then cover the bulbs up to their shoulders with additional stones. Now add water--just enough to reach the base of the bulbs. If the bottoms of the bulbs sit in water for an extended period, they may rot. Set the container in a cool (50-60 degrees F), dark place until the bulbs begin to sprout, usually in two or three weeks. Check the level of the water occasionally and add more as needed. The bulbs will soon produce lots of white stringy roots. When the bulbs begin to sprout, set the container in a sunny window. Once the bulbs get going, it's important to keep topping off the reservoir below the bulbs: When the bulbs are growing actively, they drink a surprising amount of water.

Can I plant paperwhites outdoors ?

Paperwhites are much less hardy than other daffodils--they can't survive where winter temperatures drop below 10 degrees F. For most people, that means paperwhites should be discarded after they bloom. If you live in zones 8-9 in the South or zones 8-10 on the West Coast ( ) click here for Zone map), you can plant paperwhites in the ground in the fall as you would other spring-flowering bulbs. You can also plant them in pots for indoor bloom and transplant them into the garden after the danger of frost has passed in spring. Note: Paperwhites that are forced to bloom indoors may skip a year or two before they begin to bloom again outdoors.

What do I have to do to get my amaryllis bulb to bloom again next winter ?

After your amaryllis blooms, remove the flower stalk (or stalks)--NOT the leaves--and continue watering it as before. Begin fertilizing monthly with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (mixed as directed). When all danger of frost has passed in spring, move the pot outdoors to a shady location and increase the exposure to sunshine day by day over the course of a week or so, until the plant gets full sun (six hours or more of direct sunlight per day). You can either leave the bulb in its pot or transplant it into the garden. (If you keep the bulb in its pot, you may need to move it into a larger pot if you find that the potting mix dries out rapidly.) Continue to water and fertilize through summer. After the first frost or in mid-October (whichever comes first), dig the bulb from the garden or knock it out of its pot, and cut the leaves off just above the top of the bulb. Then place the bulb in a cool, dry place such as a basement for 8-10 weeks. About two months before flowering is desired, repot the bulb and begin watering--sparingly until growth is clearly under way.

Website Issues

I don't see any prices.

Prices are show on each page that shows a single bulb on the top right. If the message "Sorry sold out" is showing then no price will be visible for that item. During the winter and spring prices will not show on the site - until our shipments are confirmed in late spring.

I tried to place an order, but your site failed or I didn't get an e-mail confirmation.

We try to make sure that our site will be a pleasurable, not frustrating experience. It is designed to work with all platforms, all browsers, on all networks.The site should work whether you have cookies enabled or not. If you do experience problems, Please accept our apologies and call us at 1-888-847-8637 or email us at sales@colorblends.com. We can confirm that we got your order correctly and send you an email or fax confirmation. Sometimes confirmation emails do get caught in spam filters along with the bad stuff.

What is your privacy policy ?

We never share any of the information that you provide us with third parties for marketing purposes. For obvious reaseon we will communicate your address and payment information with your bank card company and your address information with UPS or other shipping companies for the purpose of delivery of your order. IF you are using Internet Explorer you can click on View/Privacy/Summary for our site to read the P3P policy document for our sites.