Propagating Our Snowdrops - Tips & Tricks

 One of our more reliable plants are our snowdrops. Initially started in the garden by my Dad around 8 years ago, they have consistently provided good early year ground cover and wonderful flowers. They also provide some very early food for foraging pollinators. 

 Feel free to have a look at this post if you're interested in what plants give good year round food supplies to pollinators.

The area of snowdrops above have finished flowering and are now in their dormant phase. Perfect for propagating.

 The image above shows the section of our garden that the snowdrops are located. It is covered by large trees above (out of shot) and has two Acer trees that grow leaves well after the snowdrops have flowered.

 A recent task I have completed in the garden is the propagation (spreading by separating clumps) of snowdrops. This task is very rewarding, and leads to a much larger bloom / coverage of snowdrops the following year if done correctly. 

A single large clump can be split easily into 3 or more smaller clumps.

Steps for Propagating Snowdrops

 The steps for propagating snow drops are fairly simple.

1. Wait until all the flowers have finished blooming.
2. Choose the locations that you wish to propagate the snowdrops to.
3. Dig small holes ready for each new clump you create.
   
4. Dig up large clumps using a fork.
5. Split the clumps by hand, being careful not to rip / damage too many leaves.
6. Plant the smaller clumps into the pre-dug holes.
7. Water (and feed) thoroughly after replanting.

  As said in the list above, the first step is to make sure that all the flowers have finished blooming and died off. This means the plant is now in its dormant phase, and is ready for propagating.

 The locations you choose will determine how well the snowdrops will thrive. Snowdrops thrive in well drained soil with light shade cover. (According to the RHS website).

 When digging the new holes for the snowdrops, you may find that adding leaf mould or fresh compost helps to encourage root growth and helps to settle them into their new spot.

 To dig the clumps out of the ground it is best to use a large garden fork for bigger clumps (over 20cm diameter) or a hand fork for ones under 20cm diameter. Start at the edges of the clump and work your way around the clump, gradually loosening it from the ground. Eventually you will feel the clump "free up" and loosen. Carefully lift the clump out, and place it somewhere to separate it.

A larger clump of snowdrops like this one required a full size garden fork rather than a hand fork.

 Once lifted, it is time to separate the clump. At first this can feel rather daunting as it feels like you are damaging the plant! The way I did this was to grab one side of the clump (by the bulbs) then slowly try to take a handful. As you try to close your hands around the clump of bulbs, you will slowly rip that section away from the larger bulk. Once you have separated the bulbs, take care to slowly pull them apart as the leaves will be entangled with each other. Gently shaking the sections will help the leaves separate.

A single large clump of snowdrops can easily produce 3 (or more) smaller clumps.

 Once the clumps are separated, simple drop them into the holes you have dug, pack them around with compost or soil that has been previously removed, and then water them thoroughly. I like to water them in using water that has had plant food added to it. I believe this encourages the roots to spread out into the fertile soil around them. It also provides goodness for the bulbs to take in ready for the next season of flowering.

 Finally, once they have been replanted, allow them to settle and die off naturally. The allows the plant the longest possible time to rebuild its energy stores in the bulbs, providing a greater bloom and spread next year.

A small, empty patch perfect for propagating snowdrops into.

Freshly propagated snowdrops, filling the previously empty patch.