A lonely snowdrop in the garden is cute to behold. But snowdrops look better when planted in groups. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money for this. Snowdrops can be propagated without any problems. Here you can find out how it works!
The simplest method of propagation: separating the bulbs
Dividing the plant or cutting off new bulbs is a proven and fast propagation method that every snowdrop lover should recommend. During or just after flowering is a good time to propagate the planted snowdrops in this way.
Subsequent division is not advisable. The onions need enough time to root and in autumn there can be difficulties starting, as the onions are often already exhausted. In the spring they are saturated with water and energy. This propagation method is recommended by mid-March at the latest.
How to proceed:
- Dig up snowdrops with a digging fork
- remove soil
- Separate the smaller daughter onions from the main onion
- dig planting holes
- Plant the bulbs 6 cm deep and with the tip upwards
- Minimum distance between: 10 cm
Propagation by seeds
Propagating snowdrops using their seeds doesn't necessarily have to be taken into your own hands. Ants help spread the seeds. The ants carry the seeds away to eat their nutritive body. This will naturally spread the snowdrops throughout the garden.
Those who do not want to rely on the work of the ants can sow the seeds. The seeds usually mature in April. They are in the spherical and light brown colored fruit. It is best if the seeds are sown immediately outdoors or in a box.
- Seeds are cold germs (4 weeks temperatures between -4 and 4 °C)
- Seeds are dark germs: sow 1 cm deep
- choose moist, humus rich soil for sowing
- ideal location: shady in summer, semi-shady in spring
- do not sow near conifers (snowdrops do not tolerate acidic soil)
tips and tricks
Since seed formation weakens the plant, the wilted flowers of most snowdrops should be cut off. It is enough to harvest the seeds of a handful of snowdrops to gain many new specimens.