Taylors are reporting an excellent start in sales of spring flowering bulbs in these early weeks of the autumn bulb planting campaign. 

From the Summer Planting seed potatoes, the appetite for anything to plant in the garden continues, a trend that delights Ian Clark, Business Manager, Taylors Bulbs:

“Although we have been unsurprised by the demand for any Grow-Your-Own veg such as the Christmas potatoes and the onion sets, we did wonder if the strength in ornamental plant sales, compost and pots was being driven by a need for instant gratification (the “Ground Force effect”) and we wouldn’t see as much positivity in the bulb sales.  To see in the data that traditional gardeners, as well as those who are gardening more than they might normally, are buying bulbs in such volumes is a very pleasing situation.”

Market information is reporting positive bulb sales in all channels including supermarkets, DIY stores, garden centres and online, with sales reported anything up to +180%, allowing all types of garden retailer to explore their market opportunity with their loyal customers as well as the 3 million new gardeners identified in the recent Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) market research.

Ian adds: “The demand for replenishment in these past few weeks has been extraordinary but we still have bulbs available for top-up ordering.  Considering that we have to commit to our quantities before a single bulb is delivered to our customers, we have managed to replenish lots of customers with extra stock and we are pretty pleased to still have availability across most species, although the earlier flowering types such as dwarf tulips, crocus, iris reticulata and snowdrops are all very limited as the growing season was hit by the very dry spring.  Daffodil availability is particularly good and we are still able to offer fill-a-bag daffs as well as bulk value sacks and pre-packs in many varieties.”

With amaryllis due to hit stores in the next two weeks, one of the easiest to grow flowering houseplants available is sure to be an attractive potential purchase for many people unable to get away.  Where they have become pigeon-holed as Christmas gifts, is this the year that amaryllis break-free from that shackle and become the new orchid?  Keep us informed of your display ideas by emailing trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

For more information, contact Taylors Bulbs on 01406 422266, Email sales@taylors-bulbs.com, or visit their website www.taylors-bulbs.com