Chionodoxa are fully hardy will be fine outdoors without frost protection throughout winter. They should be planted between September and early December for best results. If you’re not ready to plant them as soon as you receive them, you can store them in a cool, dry place for a short while. They may start to deteriorate from December onwards so it is best to get them planted before then - they won’t store until the following year.

— Chionodoxa bulbs can be planted directly outside in borders, lawns or patio containers.

— If you have a heavy soil or soil with a high clay content, it is a good idea to incorporate plenty of compost and some grit or sand prior to planting to aid drainage.

— If planting in containers, we recommend using peat-free multipurpose compost.

— Choose a position in full sun or partial/dappled shade.

— Plant the bulbs around 5-10cm deep with the pointed side facing upwards.

— Space the bulbs around 5-10cm apart from each other or slightly closer in pots. If planting in groups or natural clusters, you can dig a wide, shallow planting area and scatter the bulbs into it, then cover over with soil.

— If the soil is very dry, it’s a good idea to water them in after planting to settle them. They will not require any further watering through winter unless it is very mild and the soil becomes dry. They will only require water in spring if it is warm and the soil is dry.

— Leave the bulbs planted in the ground throughout the year. After flowering, allow the leaves and stem to fully die back or turn yellow before removing it, as this is feeding the bulb for next year. The stems and leaves are small and don’t need to be removed at all unless they look untidy.