Packaged bulbs or a potted plant: what you get and how to start

A picture of flowers on a package does not mean you are getting a flowering plant in a pot. Bulbs and tubers for planting are sold as propagation material that needs to be planted; a potted plant already comes in a growing medium. Before choosing, it is worth reading the product description and checking the unit of sale, even when both products are called hyacinths or lilies.

What is the difference between the two products?

• Pack for planting: Contains the planting material listed on the pack. Check the type, the variety if listed, and the stated quantity. Do not assume the number of bulbs from the number of flowers in the picture on the pack.
• Potted plant: A plant already planted in a growing medium. Check which pot is included and what is said about the growth stage. A flower name does not promise that the plant will arrive at exactly the flowering stage shown in the picture.

The term "bulbs" is sometimes also used for other groups of underground storage organs. The Royal Horticultural Society explains the groups and the differences in planting. For you as a buyer, the exact name and the instructions on the package matter more than the general shelf label.

Before planting: four simple checks

1. Read the instructions for the type you chose. Look for planting time, depth, spacing, light and any preparation needed. No single set of planting instructions works for every pack.
2. Check the planting material. Look for firm bulbs with no obvious signs of rot. If something looks damaged, check with the shop before planting. This is also RHS advice on choosing bulbs.
3. Prepare a spot with drainage. In a pot, excess water needs a way out. Plant at the right depth and with the right side up for the type of bulb. If you are not sure which side is the top, do not guess.
4. Water according to the growth stage and instructions. When planting in a pot, you generally water after planting and then as needed, avoiding waterlogged soil. How quickly it dries depends on the container, the soil and the weather.

These checks are based on the RHS planting guide; the timing and exact measurements need to suit the plant and your conditions. To learn more, you can read about Choosing a container and about Watering.

Hyacinth is a good example of the difference

In Asa's instructions for hyacinth bulbs a chilling period of 4-6 weeks at 5 degrees before planting is specified. This instruction is specifically for hyacinth bulbs, not a rule for all flower bulbs. Before following it, check with the supplier whether the bulbs in your particular package have already had the required preparation. This does not mean that a potted hyacinth that is already growing needs chilling.

Also listed on the website: Hyacinth in a nursery pot. This is a different product from a pack of bulbs for planting. You can compare packaged bulbs and tubers with flowering plants in pots, depending on what you want to get and grow. If you also choose seed packets, you can use the guide Reading seed labels.

Frequently asked questions

Does the flower photo on the package show the product you receive?

It shows the expected blooms. Check the description and packaging to see whether the product is bulbs or tubers for planting, and how many are included. This does not mean you will receive a flowering plant in a pot.

Do all flower bulbs need chilling?

The same instructions do not apply to every type. For hyacinths, for example, Asa publishes instructions for chilling before planting. Check the instructions for the type you have and what preparation the bulbs in that particular pack have already had.

Are a potted hyacinth and a pack of hyacinth bulbs the same product?

No. The first is a plant already planted in a growing medium; the second is material for planting and growing new plants. The initial care and the unit of sale are different too.