Proudly BC Owned & Operated for over 40 years.Bulbs & Tubers
What Are Bulbs & Tubers?
Bulbs and tubers are nature’s built in power packs, storing energy underground so your garden bursts into stunning blooms year after year. At GARDENWORKS, we offer a wide range of both spring-flowering bulbs and summer-blooming bulbs and tubers, perfect for adding a burst of colour to your garden, borders, and containers.
Although many gardeners call all of these “bulbs,” some are technically tubers (like dahlias) or corms (like gladiolus) — but they all share one thing in common: they store energy that fuels vibrant flowers.
Why Choose Bulbs & Tubers?
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Dramatic seasonal colour: Bulbs and tubers produce some of the most eye-catching blooms of the year.
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Easy to grow: Many bulbs require minimal care once planted in well-prepared soil.
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Versatile planting options: Great in beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers.
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Repeat enjoyment: Hardy bulbs often naturalize and return year after year if cared for properly.
When to Plant in South Coastal BC
Fall bulbs (spring bloomers):
For classic spring flowers like tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths, plant in mid-October through mid-November before the ground freezes. Cool, moist soil helps root development and ensures strong spring blooms.
Spring bulbs & tubers (summer bloomers):
Tender summer bulbs and tubers such as dahlias, begonias, gladiolus, and lilies are best planted after the last frost in spring, once soil has warmed.
Planting tips:
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Amend soil with compost and GARDENWORKS Bulb Food at planting for strong root growth and vibrant blooms.
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Ensure good drainage — bulbs rot in waterlogged soil.
Care & Aftercare Tips
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Water after planting: Moist soil helps roots establish, but avoid oversaturated conditions.
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Mulch lightly: A thin mulch layer moderates soil temperature through late fall and early spring.
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Leave foliage: Allow leaves to die back naturally — this feeds bulbs for next year’s bloom.
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Store tender bulbs over winter: Lift and store tender tubers (like dahlias) in frost-free conditions if you garden in cooler microclimates.
Bulb Types You’ll Find at GARDENWORKS
We stock bulbs and tubers for spring, summer, and container displays, including:
Spring-Flowering Bulbs
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Tulips
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Daffodils
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Crocus
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Hyacinth
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Snowdrops
(plus many more varieties available in store)
Summer-Blooming Bulbs & Tubers
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Dahlias
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Gladiolus
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Lilies
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Begonias
(plus many more varieties available in store)
Store Locations & Regional Notes
Our bulb planting guidance is focused on South Coastal British Columbia communities (Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Victoria, Courtenay, Nanaimo, Oak Bay, and Colwood), where mild winters and long growing seasons favour a wide range of bulbs.
Penticton (Okanagan) Growing Tips
Gardeners in the Penticton area experience a hotter, drier climate with colder winters and later spring frosts. When growing bulbs and tubers in the Okanagan, keep the following in mind:
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Plant later in spring: Wait until the risk of frost has passed and soil has warmed before planting tender bulbs and tubers.
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Prioritize drainage: Well-drained soil is essential to prevent rot, especially during winter and spring moisture fluctuations.
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Water deeply but less often: Bulbs prefer thorough watering followed by drying slightly between waterings during hot summers.
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Mulch for protection: Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture during extreme heat.
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Lift tender bulbs if needed: Some summer-blooming tubers may benefit from being lifted and stored frost-free over winter.
For best results, Penticton gardeners are encouraged to consult with our in-store team for advice tailored to local conditions and seasonal availability.
Explore Bulbs & Tubers at GARDENWORKS
Discover our full selection of bulbs, tubers, and planting supplies chosen for success in South Coastal British Columbia. Visit your nearest GARDENWORKS location to see what’s currently in stock, and speak with our knowledgeable team for planting tips specific to your garden.