If you cut snowdrops incorrectly, you are literally cutting your own flesh. If cut at the wrong time and in the wrong way, it is not uncommon for the snowdrop to die and not reappear the following year. So what should you consider when cutting?
When and how should you cut snowdrops?
Prune snowdrops after flowering between March and April by removing spent flowers on the stem. Only cut the leaves when they are yellowish-brown in color so as not to endanger the nutrient supply for the next year.
Cut off old flowers
After the snowdrop has faded, it is willing to produce a capsule fruit containing numerous small seeds. Seed formation costs a snowdrop an enormous amount of energy.
If you don't need the seeds, it's not a mistake to cut off the withered flowers between March and April. If you want to collect the seeds for propagation, it is sufficient to send 2 to 3 snowdrops into seed formation. The remaining specimens are shortened at the stem. The flower stalks are cut off at the bottom immediately after flowering.
Cut off unsightly leaves
You don't like snowdrops outside of their blooming season? Do you want to shorten the leaves to make room for other plants? Be careful: carelessly cutting the leaves can mean the end of your snowdrops
Once the fruits have formed, the onion draws important nutrients from the leaves. She needs this for next year in order to be able to sprout again. It replenishes its nutrient depot. Until the leaves have yellowed, they should not be cut off. If they are dry and wilted, they can be cut off or twisted out. However, this procedure is not absolutely necessary.
If the leaves are removed while they are green, the onion cannot recharge. The plant dies and does not appear again the following year. So remember to only cut off the leaves - if at all - when they are yellowish-brown in color.
Snowdrops as cut flowers
Snowdrops are suitable as cut flowers for the vase:
- After cutting, with good care, lasts up to 1 week
- do not cut off wild snowdrops (they are protected)
- Better alternative: buy snowdrops in small pots for the living room (they will be in bloom for several weeks)
Tips & Tricks
If snowdrops grow in the lawn, the lawn should only be mowed when the snowdrop leaves have yellowed. Otherwise there will be no snowdrops to admire in full bloom next year.
