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Dividing the SnowdropsReplanting the Divisions

Edited by Flickety, Xylaardhia, Susan Morgan, Teresa

Snowdrops (Galanthus) are a favorite plant in many a garden. If you want to grow more of them, they can be divided and planted in another part of the garden, with great ease.

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Part 1 of 2: Dividing the Snowdrops

  1. 1
    Wait for the snowdrops to finish flowering. The snowdrops can be divided after the flowers have died off but when the plants are still "in the green"
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  2. 2
    Lift out clumps of snowdrop plants using a hand fork. Be careful not to stick the tines of the fork through the bulbs.
  3. 3
    Shake off any soil that has congealed around the roots. Do this gently. This will help you to see what is being divided.
  4. 4
    Pull out any individual bulbs. Leave both roots and leaves attached to each bulb pulled out of the clump.
  5. 5
    Pull any bulblets that you can see away from the parent bulb. These are also capable of forming new plants if they're in good condition. However, do note that these will take longer to form than the other bulbs pulled away.

Part 2 of 2: Replanting the Divisions

  1. 1
    Select a suitable part of the garden for planting the snowdrop bulbs.
  2. 2
    Dig the soil over in preparation for planting. Dig holes large enough to fit the bulbs, breaking up any soil clumps in the bottom of the holes.
    • A trowel or hand fork work best for digging small bulb holes.
  3. 3
    Replant each bulb to the same depth as the original snowdrop plants. Place each bulb upright in its selected hole. Press into the soil firmly.
  4. 4
    Scrape the soil back over each bulb using the trowel or hand fork. Cover the bulb as appropriate to ensure the right depth.
  5. 5
    Firm the top of the soil gently. Do this by patting it down with the flat of your hands.
  6. 6
    Water. Keep an eye on the soil moisture––don't over water or the bulb risks rotting.
  7. Snowdrops in Spring.jpg
    7
    Expect snowdrops to appear the next spring.
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Tips

  • This method can be used for taking plants from the garden of a friend or neighbor. Use a box/large cloth, or similar to transport the bulbs back home in one piece.
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Things You'll Need

  • Snowdrop plants
  • Hand fork and/or trowel
  • Watering can


Article Info

Categories: Gardening

Recent edits by: Susan Morgan, Xylaardhia, Flickety

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 93 times.

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