When to Plant Snowdrops: Fall Bulbs, Planting in the Green and Depth

Snowdrops (Galanthus) are small bulbs in the amaryllis family with nodding white flowers marked with green (Wisconsin Horticulture, NC State Extension). They are often the first flowers of the year: Rutgers says bulb color can start in late January with snowdrops and winter aconites. The common snowdrop, G. nivalis, grows about 4 to 10 inches tall and is listed for USDA zones 3 to 9 (NC State).

When to plant snowdrops by region

Snowdrops go in with the other small fall bulbs. Here is what each extension service says for its area:

Of the fall bulbs, snowdrops benefit most from going in early, because the bulbs don't store well once lifted (RHS). If your state isn't listed, the soil rule from Rutgers and Nebraska Extension (soil below 60°F) is a good guide, and Iowa State says bulbs can still go in as late as December if the ground isn't frozen.

Dry bulbs or "in the green"?

• Dry bulbs in fall: the usual way to buy snowdrops in the US. Wisconsin Horticulture says to plant the dry bulbs in fall.
• In the green in late winter: Wisconsin Horticulture says to transplant snowdrops after flowering while the leaves are still green, if possible. The RHS says freshly lifted snowdrops planted as the foliage dies back establish best, and that buying plants just after flowering, still in leaf, is the next best way; nurseries sell them by mail order in bundles or pots.
• Dividing your own: lift and divide clumps right after flowering while the foliage is green and replant at once (Wisconsin Horticulture), at the same depth they grew before (RHS).

How deep and far apart to plant snowdrops

Common snowdrop, giant snowdrop and snowflakes

• Common snowdrop (G. nivalis): the standard choice, about 1-inch flowers, hardy to zone 3 (Wisconsin Horticulture). 'Flore Pleno' is a double form (Wisconsin Horticulture, NC State).
• Giant snowdrop (G. elwesii): wider leaves and larger flowers, up to about a foot tall (NC State). Wisconsin Horticulture says it is less cold-hardy but handles hot weather better than common snowdrop; NC State adds it may be short-lived south of zone 7.
• For the South: Wisconsin Horticulture names G. byzantinus as a better choice for southern gardens, and Clemson suggests snowflakes (Leucojum), which grow well in heat.
• Snowdrop or snowflake? Snowflakes are usually taller, carry 2 to 3 flowers per stem, and have petal-like segments all the same length; snowdrops have one flower with short inner segments (Wisconsin Horticulture).

After bloom: leaves, lawns and dividing

• Let the leaves die back on their own (Wisconsin Horticulture, RHS). Rutgers notes small-bulb foliage like snowdrops fades quickly, so it is easy to live with.
• Lawns: snowdrops can grow in grass, but Wisconsin Horticulture says not to mow that area until the foliage has matured, about six weeks after bloom.
• Feeding: Wisconsin Horticulture suggests fertilizing in early spring as shoots appear, or after bloom.
• Spreading: left alone, snowdrops form colonies from offsets and seed (Wisconsin Horticulture, NC State). Seedlings take about four years to bloom (Wisconsin Horticulture).

Deer, voles and pets

Snowdrops are one of the bulbs animals tend to leave alone. Wisconsin Horticulture says they usually aren't bothered by deer, rabbits, voles or other rodents, and NC State lists them as deer resistant. NC State also lists the plant as low-severity poisonous: the bulbs are toxic if eaten and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, so plant and store bulbs where children and pets can't get at them.

Snowdrops around the vegetable garden

Snowdrops flower long before the vegetable garden wakes up, so they suit spots you pass in late winter: Wisconsin Horticulture suggests near walks and paths and where you can see them from the house, and pairing them with winter aconite, Siberian squill, glory-of-the-snow and small early daffodils. A shady corner under a deciduous tree beside the garden is a good fit (GardenPal suggestion). Other fall bulbs that go in at the same time include crocus and daffodils; for vegetables to plant this month, see what to plant in fall. For a taller spring cut flower planted in fall in mild areas, see when to plant anemones.

Frequently asked questions

When should I plant snowdrop bulbs?

In early fall, once the soil has cooled. Wisconsin Horticulture says when nights are about 40 to 50°F; most northern extension services give mid-September through October.

How deep do you plant snowdrops?

About 3 inches deep and 3 inches apart per Wisconsin Horticulture; Iowa State says 3 to 4 inches deep and Nebraska Extension 4 inches.

What does planting snowdrops "in the green" mean?

Moving or buying plants right after they flower, while the leaves are still green. Wisconsin Horticulture and the RHS both recommend it where possible.

Do snowdrops grow in the South?

Common snowdrops struggle in heat. Clemson suggests snowflakes instead, and Wisconsin Horticulture says giant snowdrop and G. byzantinus handle warmer gardens better.

Do deer or squirrels eat snowdrops?

Usually not. Wisconsin Horticulture says snowdrops usually aren't bothered by deer, rabbits, voles or other rodents.

Are snowdrops poisonous?

NC State lists them as low-severity poisonous; the bulbs can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if eaten.