Many retailers are selling bulbs at half price to clear their stocks to make space for Christmas goods. I have just bought 80 Dutch Iris of a particular shade for less than £2. Our local Hampsons has remainder stock at £1 a bag but be selective.

Tips on Cheap Bulbs

• Tulips, Alliums and Anemones can be planted later than narcissus and I would go for them up till Christmas.
• If bulbs seem to be stored in a draft they will be drying faster so leave them. I even saw bulbs under a hot air blower that was shriveling the poor hyacinths.
• Size can be important so if they seem small leave them alone.
• If bulbs are damaged, moldy or light leave them at the shop.
• If the bulb is sprouting but not ‘forced’ ie too long thin and pale then I am happy buying them
• Plant as soon as you can and get them into cool conditions.

Amaryllis Hippeastrum

• These large bulbs in gift boxes are often sold off after Christmas in the sales.
• Any you were given or gave at Christmas were not going to be planted until after Santa had visited so buying them in January isn’t a problem
• If you see them at a discount before Christmas you could buy them, plant them and give them as a growing present rather than in a gift box.