Planting fall bulbs is a practice in delayed gratification, but the spring show is worth the wait.

With so many bulb sources, shopping for them can become overwhelming.

This time of year, local nurseries will offer spring bulbs. The same goes for big box stores like Walmart, Home Depot and Lowes.

Often, though, I purchase my bulbs online. I find it easier to track down unique varieties and buy in bulk. And over the years, I’ve curated a pretty good list of go-tos.

Whether you’re planting your first-ever bulbs or looking for new inspiration, here are my five favorite sources to make your search a little easier! 

1. Brent and Becky's Bulbs (BBB)

Brent and Becky Heath run BBB out of Gloucester, Virginia, where they grow all of their bulbs on their 28-acre farm.

It’s actually pretty rare to find bulbs grown in the US and sold at scale, as many large suppliers import them from overseas.

In addition to being homegrown, Brent and Becky are committed to sustainable practices. They even employ completely chemical-free growing processes!

2. Colorblends

Colorblends is my go-to when I’m buying bulbs in bulk.

True to their name, they offer great color mixes of spring flowers—making it easy to plant a beautiful display.

They also have unique varieties and really nice flower categorizations (like a whole grouping of “Fragrant Daffodil Bulbs”).

Summer is prime shopping time for Colorblends bulbs, as they tend to sell out of a lot of flowers by fall. But they still have some great varieties available for last-minute shoppers!

3. Longfield Gardens

Longfield Gardens is one of the larger online bulb suppliers, offering an extensive selection from classic favorites to more unique varieties. 

I go to Longfield when I’m looking for specific, special varieties. They usually offer them at a much better price than other sources. 

Some of the larger online nurseries can be hit or miss on quality, but my Longfield bulbs have always arrived in great conditions and bloom beautifully.

4. Johnny's Selected Seeds

I just love Johnny’s.

They are mostly known for their seeds (which I buy in abundance), but they also offer a number of tulip and daffodil bulbs.

The selection is small—but curated. The quality is impeccable, and the prices are great for buying both small and large quantities.

My favorite thing about Johnny’s is the level of information they provide with every product they sell—including detailed specs on when and how to plant, ideal conditions, germination, and harvesting.

5. White Flower Farms (WFF)

White Flower Farm is a bit upscale in the online plant supplier world.

That means the curation is stunning, the quality is tops, and the prices are high.

I always consider a WFF purchase a bit of a splurge—but it’s always worth it.

They offer a range of bulbs, including rare and unusual varieties. But that’s only a fraction of their site, which is packed with plants, shrubs, supplies and decor, too.

📺 Movie I’m watching

Dead Poets Society. A re-watch for me, at least once every October or November.

I love the movie, its setting, its heartbreak, its steady flow of Walt Whitman lines.

And I love Mr. Keating. It’s the character I thought of the most when Robin Williams passed away.

I wrote this little tribute when it happened. I only just revisited it, for the first time in awhile. Still makes me smile.

🌸 Flower I’m admiring

I’m stunned by the Japanese anemones that are popping up in the front garden.

We’re right in their bloom time, no surprise there. But our neighborhood deer have eaten these plants down to the ground year after year—so I’ve never had a bloom.

What a thrill to see the tiny pink flowers popping up! I’m not sure how long they’ll last, but I’ll enjoy them for as long as I’ve got ‘em.

If you want more a few more bulb sources or have specific questions about where to buy, reply to this email and let me know!

Xx,

Courtney