A bulb is a bulb is a bulb. Many, but not all bulbs are created equal. Here at Wegman's we pride ourselves on having only top quality bulbs available. Bulbs are priced by size; usually the circumference in centimeters. Larger bulbs produce taller, stronger stems, bigger and more flowers than lesser sized bulbs.

Typically, large chain stores which also sell washing machines and paint will offer a bag of 25 bulbs for a few dollars. If you examine the label carefully you may see numbers such as 9 to 11 or 9-11. This is the circumference of the bulbs. Each bulb will produce one short -stemmed flower. Wegman's smallest bulbs will number 12-14 cm and the "jumbo" daffodils are 17+cm. All of these bulbs have two or three "noses" and each nose will produce a tall, strong stemmed flower. Yes, they cost a bit more than the pygmy bulbs from the discount stores but when they come into bloom it's like comparing peas to pearls!

Out of curiosity, we compared price per pound of our jumbo bulbs to the pigmies from the discount houses and found Wegman’s prices were lower! Additionally, our daffodils are available in shades other than yellow. There’s everything except the blue shades and bright red. We emphasize daffodils because once planted, they multiply and will last at least twenty years in the ground. Also, they are deer and gopher proof; not deer and gopher resistant, deer and gopher proof.

If you need some blues and lavender in your flower beds, mix some Dutch Iris in with your daffodil bulbs. They, too, come in sizes, are deer and gopher proof, and will start to bloom just about the time the daffodils are finishing.

And, if you need a giant bulb, read below about our Mammoth Amaryllis at 42+cm. These will bloom by Christmas and then can be planted in the garden where they will bloom each summer for many years. Yes, they are a bit pricey, but each bulb will produce 3 to 5 stems, with two to four flowers per stem. In the garden, these huge bulbs will produce off-shoots which can be separated from the mother bulb to increase your stock of colorful show pieces.

Fall is the perfect time to plant bedding plants while the ground is still warm. Plant groups of cyclamen for color now that will last through the winter. Our Bedding Department has a large selection of colors and varieties. These easy to grow plants will continuously bloom and are great for boarders or containers. Try pairing cyclamen with ornamental kale and cabbage for interesting color, foliage and texture contrast.

The vibrant colors range from crisp white to shocking pink to Christmas red. There are also dwarf varieties that are more delicate. Plant cyclamen in masses for cheerful color blocks to cheer you all through the winter.

To grow in the garden, hardy cyclamen in the garden, they need very good drainage--and remember to keep the top of the plant at soil level. Fertilize with Formula 49 or Dr. Earth Rose and Flower at Valentine’s Day and Labor Day. You will fall in love with these easy to grow, colorful bedding plants.

For a touch of glamour in your home this winter grow an exotic amaryllis. This incredible Mammoth Amaryllis produces blooms that are over 8” across! One standard size bulb (42+ cm) will form 3 stems with 4 to 5 blooms on each. Available in colors of red, pink, red/white and white. This amaryllis would be the perfect eye popping centerpiece of a holiday arrangement. Mammoth Amaryllis can be planted outdoors after blooming indoors for the holidays.