Flower bulbs usually only emerge in spring. When the days and nights slowly get warmer and the time of flowering approaches. Mild temperatures outdoors or storage in rooms that are too warm can cause some onions to start turning green - even before their time has come.
Can flower bulbs that have sprouted still be planted?
Oiled flower bulbs can still be planted, either in the garden or in pots. You should be careful in autumn; sprouted onions in spring or summer are not a problem. Ensure frost-free conditions and adequate protection in sub-zero temperatures.
Flower bulbs in autumn
If flower bulbs that are already sprouting are offered for sale in the hardware store, garden center, supermarket or wherever in the fall, caution is advised. It's better to stay away from these specimens, even if they are a bargain.
Although these flower bulbs are mostly hardy spring bloomers, their foliage is sensitive to frost. If planted outdoors, the above-ground parts of the plant can freeze in temperatures below zero. A protective cover is conceivable, but even that doesn't help in severe frosts.
You can also plant sprouted flower bulbs that you already have in pots and overwinter in a cool room without frost. Only when the severe frosts subside can you take them outside again. At the beginning maybe only during the day.
Flower bulbs in spring
Spring bloomers can alternatively be planted in spring. They have already received the cold stimulus that these plants need to form flowers in a cold storage facility. They are ready for planting.
The flower bulbs on offer usually show no trace of green, but sprouted specimens can also be bought and planted immediately in the garden or in pots. If the current weather is still too frosty, they still need to be protected with a cover.
Set up in the house
In spring or even late winter, sprouted flower bulbs can also be made to bloom in your own living space. Place a flower bulb in a glass of water, which looks particularly decorative.
You can also cover large flower bulbs with a layer of wax. Or simply plant them the classic way in potting soil (€10.00 on Amazon).
Tip
Flower bulbs that have sprouted could also indicate incorrect storage in the retail store. Take a close look at the flower bulbs to determine their quality.
Expelled summer bloomers
Summer bloomers are often sold pre-grown in stores. Then it is clear that the first green can already be seen. However, they can only be planted outside from mid-May.
- only buy sprouted onions if it is February or later
- first plant in the pot
- cultivate indoors until mid-May
