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Gardening expert and TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh shared his tips for choosing the most “reliable” bulbs in a video for Waitrose & Partners in 2013. While most plant bulbs may look healthy, Alan has shared how you can tell if a bulb is going to reliably produce flowers. Alan said: “Before you buy the bulbs, just check, not by putting your nail into them.
Most people tend to buy big bulbs which often equal taller, larger flowers.
So for those with a smaller garden who don’t want very tall plants, Alan suggested choosing dwarf varieties that have slightly smaller bulbs.
He said: “Now you may be used to these big fat ones – King Alfred’s and Carlton monster bulbs.
“Plants that grow about two feet high and then come the snow and the rain they all fall over the slugs leap on board and eat them.
Other dwarf varieties include “little witch” and “jetfire”.
He continued: “They’re so much more suited to a small garden.
“They’re also reasonably priced – 18 of these for £3.99. Everyone’s a winner.”
Spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils need to be planted preferably by the end of September.
Hardy plants such as lilies and alliums need to be planted in September and October.
Alan Titchmarsh: Spring Into Summer airs tonight at 8pm on ITV
