When choosing bulbs, you will find that there is a considerable variation in the size and quality available, so it's essential that you examine any bulbs carefully before buying them. As different types of bulb are sold at various times of the year, you should always make sure that you buy them when they are as fresh as possible. You should also ensure that they have been obtained from sources of cultivated bulbs, rather than from stocks that have been collected in the wild.

Dry Bulbs

The majority of bulbs are sold in a dry state during their dormant period. It is best to buy these as early as possible before they start into growth; for example most daffodils will start producing roots in late summer, and many other spring-flowering bulbs will begin to grow by early autumn.

Buy and plant bulbs as soon as they are available; they will tend to deteriorate if kept dry too long, giving them a shorter growing period. Make sure that they are firm and healthy with strong growing points, and no signs of insect damage or any soft or diseased areas. Bear in mind that bulbs that are much smaller than average for their type and bulb offsets will not produce flowers in their first season.

Juno irises have permanent storage roots beneath the bulb; do not buy if these are missing as the resulting plant will not develop well. Tulips should have intact skins or tunics, otherwise they will be vulnerable to disease.

Moist Bulbs

Although the majority of bulbs are stored dry, there are a few that are better kept in slightly moist bark, peat substitute or some similar material. This is particularly true of some of the shade-loving bulb species, such as Trillium, Erythronium and Anemone nemorosa that are often found growing in damp woodland.

When buying cyclamen tubers, try to find those with fibrous roots that are stored in moist bark or that are in root growth in pots. Cyclamen that have healthy roots establish much more successfully than dry tubers and although more expensive, are a much better buy.

In the Green

If possible, buy snowdrops "in the green" (still in leaf) after flowering, preferably just as the leaves begin to yellow at the tips. Although dry bulbs are much cheaper, they often fail to establish well. Specialist nurseries supply snowdrops in the green, bound or packed in moist bark or peat substitute.

Pot Grown Bulbs

Pots of bulbs in active growth, and frequently in flower, are often sold in garden centres and nurseries. They grow well and may be planted out immediately, without disturbing the roots. Alternatively, they may be kept in pots until they have flowered and planted as dry bulbs after they have died down. However, they are often more expensive than dry bulbs.