Where can I buy bulbs that ship in the summer?

Question

I'm getting married in August and I want to use bulbs as favors. I cannot find anyone who is shipping bulbs. I need them ASAP and I would like a flower with a fairly large bulb for not much money. Thank you!

Answer 1

I'd suggest calling your local Home Depot or Lowe's to ask when they expect to begin selling spring bulbs.  I recall seeing spring bulbs for sale at Home Depot pretty early -- certainly in August -- but it may not be early enough for your needs.

If that doesn't work out, I have two other suggestions for you to consider.  One idea is buying Amaryllis Belladona bulbs, which are planted and bloom in the fall.  Here is a link to a web site that is selling them now: http://www.mzbulbfall.com/sp.asp?c=7

Unfortunately, these bulbs are not cheap -- a dozen of them cost $45 -- but they *are* available.  (By the way, this is *not* the same amaryllis that people plant in pots indoors and which often bloom around Christmas time -- those bulbs are even more expensive than these are.)

My other idea is a little bit of a long shot, but it's worth trying.  There is an organization called Freecycle (http://www.freecycle.org/), which has chapters all over the country.  Members of local chapters post information on stuff they want to give away and stuff they would like to get -- all for free.  It is possible that if you were to request flower bulbs that a number of people may volunteer to have you come dig up bulbs in their gardens.

Good luck!

Answer 2

QVC

Answer 3

Most of the fall-flowering bulbs aren't even dug out of the fields yet in early August.

You might be able to get some autumn crocus or colchicum by that time of year, but I wouldn't count on it.  And both are fairly pricey.  

How about something like a Non-stop Begonia?  That can be carried over the winter as a pot plant and continue to bloom all next summer.  Really, though, you're going to be pretty much confined to what's available in quantity locally.

Speaking strictly for myself, I'd sooner have some m&ms or jordan almonds or something similar as a "favor" than something I have to do more with than eat.   Ungrateful as it may sound, I don't really need another mirror, magnet, packet of flower seed, candle, or other bricabrak to remember a friend's wedding.

Answer 4

This time of year you need to check out your local nurseries and gardening centers.

How about buying already potted bulbs that are growing.