Leuconium Growing Guide

Leucojum aestivum, Leucojum vernum

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile soil that holds moisture well.

Position

Full sun to partial shade.

Frost tolerant

Yes, leucojums are hardy perennial bulbs, tolerating cold to -34°C (-30°F ).

Feeding

The need to feed leucojums depends on the site. In poor soil, feed plants with a balanced organic fertiliser in early spring when they are actively growing. Follow up with a granular bulb fertiliser when the plants have finished flowering but the leaves are still green.

Spacing

Single Plants: 10cm (3") each way (minimum)
Rows: 10cm (3") with 10cm (3") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant dormant bulbs in groups of 3 or more in mid summer to early autumn, covering them with 10cm (4 inches) of soil. The bulbs will slowly grow roots through winter and bloom the following spring. Dig, divide and replant in summer, when the foliage turns yellow. It is best to replant leucojum bulbs immediately after digging them.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Leucojums bloom after daffodils, often alongside tulips. They naturalise easily along woodland edges where the soil stays moist, forming long-lived clumps. Nodding, bell-shaped leucojum flowers resemble snowdrops (Galanthus), but leucojum plants are larger and later blooming, with flowers borne on long stems.

Harvesting

Gather stems for use in cut arrangements as you need them. Stems have a vase life of 10 days or more when trimmed and reset in clean water ever few days. Allow leucojum foliage time to grow after the flowers have gone to ensure strong blooming the next year.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Leuconium

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail