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Sternbergia lutea

autumn daffodil bulbs

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An autumn carpet of goblet-shaped, luminous yellow flowers can be achieved over time with these delightful bulbs. They are incredibly floriferous in the right setting and will brighten up the drabbest autumn day. Plant them where they get loads of sun and won’t get too wet in winter and they will multiply over the years to form generous drifts.

How to care for Sternbergia lutea:

Plant bulbs in naturalistic drifts 15cm (4in) deep from late summer to early autumn in gritty, well-drained soil that has had some compost dug in. Once planted, leave undisturbed and allow them to form large clumps and only dig up and divide if flowering is impaired.

Please note: As sternbergias are only dormant for such a short period of time, it is quite normal for the bulb to have produced shoots, or even started to flower while they are still in their packets. This growth is typically very long and thin, and as it is so fragile, it may even be damaged, completely snapped or already starting to die back. While this will not have an adverse effect on the bulbs long-term health and vigour, it is the reason why we cannot guarantee that they will produce any flowers in their first year.

If your bulbs have not started to flower when you receive them, they should be planted out as normal, taking care not to damage any emerging shoots. Any that have started to flower, should be gently taken out of the bag and placed on a sunny windowsill where you can enjoy the show. Then, as soon as the flowers have faded (and before the leaves develop), these too can be planted outside - and once they’re settled in, you'll be able to enjoy their flowers for many years to come!
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.15m
Eventual spread:
0.08m
Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Fast-growing

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

  • InformationHumans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; skin irritant

Product options

Product options image
BU30001033
5 × bulbs
£9.99 £2.00 each
available to order from autumn
Product options image
BU30001036
15 × bulbs
£28.00 £1.87 each
available to order from autumn
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard delivery Bulbs (only)£4.95

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