Bulbs for Cut Flowers: Growing Flowers for Stunning Bouquets

There’s nothing quite as rewarding as growing your own flowers and bringing them indoors to create stunning bouquets. Flower bulbs in particular are an excellent choice for home gardeners who want a vibrant and long-lasting selection of blooms to cut and arrange. With the right choice of bulbs and proper care, you can enjoy fresh, fragrant floral arrangements and throughout the growing season.

Why Choose Bulbs for Cut Flowers?

Bulb grown flowers are some of the best choices for cut flower arrangements due to their strong stems, vibrant colours, and long vase life. Many varieties also have delightful fragrances, adding an extra dimension to your indoor floral displays. Unlike annuals or perennials that might take a season or two to mature, bulbs are often ready to bloom within months of planting, making them a quick and reliable option for cut flower gardening.

Best Bulbs for Cut Flowers

To create eye-catching bouquets, consider planting a mix of different flower bulbs that bloom at various times of the year. Here are some of the top choices for cut flower gardens:

Tulips

·         Tulips are classic cut flowers, available in a rainbow of colours and multiple varieties, from single blooms to double petaled and fringed types.

·         Bloom time: Early to late Spring

·         Vase life: 5-10 days

·         Top Tip: cut tulips when the buds are starting to show colour for longer lasting blooms in the vase

Daffodils

·         Known for their bright yellow, white, or orange blooms, daffodils are cheerful additions to spring arrangements

·         Bloom time: Early to mid-spring

·         Vase life: 6-10 days

·         Top Tip: Keep daffodils in a separate vase for a few hours before mixing them with other flowers, as their sap can shorten the lifespan of other blooms

Alliums

·         These globe shaped flowers add unique structure and height to arrangements

·         Bloom time: late spring to early summer

·         Vase life: Up to 2 weeks

·         Top Tip: Harvest when the flowers are just starting to open for the longest lasting blooms

Lilies

·         Lilies bring elegance and fragrance to bouquets with many varieties blooming throughout summer

·         Bloom time: Summer

·         Vase life: 7-14 days

·         Top Tip: remove the pollen covered anthers to prevent stains and prolong flower life

Freesia

·         These delicate, highly fragrant flowers are perfect for smaller, romantic bouquets

·         Bloom time: late spring to summer

·         Vase life: 7-10 days

·         Top Tip: cut stems when the first few flowers begin to open

Dahlia

·         Though technically grown from tubers, dahlias provide a spectacular range of colours and sizes

·         Bloom time: mid to late summer through fall

·         Vase life: 5-7 days

·         Top Tip: cut in the early morning when the flowers are fully open

Growing and Caring for Bulbs for Cutting

To ensure a steady supply of beautiful flowers for cutting, follow these essential planting and care tips:

Planting Tips

·         Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.

·         Plant the bulbs at the recommended depth (typically 2-3 times the bulb’s height).

·         Space bulbs appropriately to allow for air circulation and proper growth.

·         Water newly planted bulbs thoroughly to help establish roots.

Ongoing Care

·         Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as overly wet conditions can lead to rot.

·         Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy growth.

·         Deadhead spent blooms to promote more flowering.

·         Stake taller varieties, such as gladiolus, to prevent bending or breaking.

Harvesting and Arranging Cut Flowers

To make the most of your homegrown blooms, proper harvesting and arranging techniques are key.

When to Cut Flowers

·         Cut flowers in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.

·         Use sharp, clean shears to prevent damage to stems.

·         Remove any foliage that will be below the waterline to reduce bacterial growth.

Conditioning for Longevity

·         Place freshly cut stems immediately into a bucket of lukewarm water.

·         Re-cut stems at an angle under running water to maximize hydration.

·         Change the vase water every two days and add flower preservative to prolong vase life.

Designing Stunning Bouquets

When arranging your cut flowers, consider the following tips:

·         Balance colours and textures: Mix bold hues with soft pastels and add foliage for depth.

·         Vary heights: Use taller flowers like gladiolus and lilies as focal points with shorter blooms like tulips and freesias as fillers.

·         Use odd numbers: Arrangements often look more natural when flowers are grouped in odd numbers.

·         Incorporate greenery: Add eucalyptus, ferns, or other greenery for contrast and volume.

Enjoy the Beauty of Homegrown Cut Flowers

Growing flower bulbs for cut arrangements is a rewarding experience that allows you to bring the beauty of your garden indoors. By selecting a variety of bulbs that bloom at different times, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh flowers for bouquets from early spring through late autumn. With proper planting, care, and harvesting techniques, you can create stunning floral arrangements that brighten your home and bring joy to those who receive them.

Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned flower enthusiast, planting bulbs for cut flowers is a simple and fulfilling way to cultivate natural beauty. Start your garden today and enjoy the endless possibilities of homegrown floral artistry!  For advice picking the best flower bulbs for your needs, contact our knowledgeable team at Boston Bulbs on 01775 769333, or email sales@bostonbulbswholesale.co.uk. We have a wide range of bulbs available, with options to suit both novice and avid gardeners.

The Boston Bulb Company has over 40 years of experience in supplying only the finest quality horticultural products from farmers and growers throughout the UK and Europe.