With its three leaves and its snow-white bell-shaped flowers, it appears delicate and fragile. But despite its appearance, the snowdrop is tough. But what about transplanting? When is the right time for this?
When and how should you transplant snowdrops?
For successful transplanting of snowdrops, choose the flowering period between February and March. The ground should be thawed, the plants should be green and not withered. Dig them up with a digging fork, separate the bulbs and plant them 6cm deep and 10cm apart in partial shade to shady locations.
Transplant during flowering period
Snowdrops have a comparatively short growing season. They are in top shape in spring when they are in bloom. Therefore, this time is the best time to transplant them.
Most types of snowdrops bloom between January and March. By May at the latest, the blooming will stop and the snowdrops will die. Transplanting most snowdrop species should therefore take place between February and the end of March.
Autumn – an alternative?
Transplanting can also be done at a later time. But please note: In contrast to many other perennials, it is not advisable to transplant snowdrops in autumn. Since it is withdrawn above ground, it would no longer be easy to find. Furthermore, the bulb is exhausted and the probability of survival is lower than during flowering.
Requirements for transplanting
But it's not just the flowering time that determines transplanting. There are other aspects that are significant. On the one hand, the snowdrops should still be green and not brown and withered. On the other hand, the ground should be thawed and easy to work with.
Dig up, separate, implement
Transplanting procedure:
- do not cut down (onions draw nutrients from leaves and stems)
- excavate with a spade (€29.00 on Amazon) or digging fork
- Separate onions (daughter onions are used for propagation)
- Dig planting holes
- Plant the bulbs 6 cm deep, distance from each other: 10 cm
Which location is suitable?
The new location for the snowdrops should be partially shaded to shady. These plants feel most comfortable under or in front of deciduous trees. These are bare in winter when the snowdrops are blooming and the warm sunlight allows the snowdrops to shoot up quickly.
While partially shaded locations with humus-rich and moist soil are ideal, locations near coniferous trees such as arborvitae and yew are poorly tolerated by snowdrops. There they find acidic soil that they don't like.
Tips & Tricks
Make sure not to choose a sunny location. Snowdrops don't feel at home there and could dry out quickly.
