Garden centers and autumn catalogs overflow with enticing spring bulbs—fringed tulips, fragrant hyacinths, and more. With limited space and budget, selecting the right ones is crucial.
Color and shape are personal preferences, but price variations within the same variety stem from bulb size, or caliber. Measured by circumference in centimeters, larger bulbs deliver robust plants and vibrant flowers, while skinnier ones often produce weak stems or meager blooms at best.
Our chart below, drawn from authoritative horticultural references like Spring-Flowering Bulbs (Horticolore, Vénissieux, 1984, p. 7)—essential reading for gardeners—helps you invest wisely for guaranteed results.
Mixed hyacinths: the payoff of premium bulbs.
| Variety | Premium Choice | Extra Choice | First Size | Second Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaryllis | 30 and + | 28/30 | 26/28 | 24/26 |
| Anemone | 8/9 and + | 7/8 | 6/7 | 5/6 |
| Crocus | 9/10 and + | 8/9 | 7/8 | |
| Naples Cyclamen | 18/20 and + | 16/18 | 14/16 | 12/14 |
| Imperial Fritillary | 20 and + | 18/20 | ||
| Iris from Holland | 8/9 and + | 7/8 | 6/7 | |
| Hyacinth | 18/19 and + | 17/18 | 16/17 | 15/16 |
| White lily | 22/24 and + | 20/22 | 18/20 | |
| Muscaris | 9/10 and + | 8/9 | 7/8 | |
| Narcissus except botanical | 15/17 and + | 14/16 | 12/14 | 10/12 |
| Ranunculus | 8 and + | 7/8 | 6/7 | 5/6 |
| Tulip except botanical | 12 and + | 11/12 | 10/11 |
Botanical daffodils and tulips typically have smaller bulbs.
As winter approaches, plant your spring bulbs for a spectacular display next season.
Botanical tulip.
