Quick read / the essentials about our Puschkinia bulbs
Specially designed for floriculture professionals, our Puschkinia Bulbs offer is aimed at demanding producers looking for quality and originality. At Floriverse , a wholesale supplier specializing in flower bulbs , we offer you a rigorous selection of certified organic, untreated or conventional bulbs, suitable for all growing methods. This hardy species, with very early flowering (March-April), offers strong potential for differentiation for the cut flower market or spring landscaping.
With its moderate height, delicate flowering and natural ability to multiply, Puschkinia is an excellent choice for sustainable and undemanding production. Floriverse , your specialist wholesale supplier of flower bulbs , exclusively selects professional batches, from specialized nurseries and controlled on criteria of size, traceability and regularity of flowering.
Looking to buy Puschkinia bulbs with reliability and expert advice? Floriverse , as a specialist wholesale supplier of flower bulbs , supports you from booking to delivery. Our producer prices and responsive logistics allow you to buy Puschkinia bulbs with confidence, online or in bulk, with decreasing prices and personalized technical support.
The Cut Flower Puschkinia Market in France: State of Play for Professionals
General context of the French cut flower market
With only 400 farms specializing in cut flowers across the country, the sector remains modest but is changing. The market is heavily dominated by imports (85%), giving way to a gradual relocation of production, particularly in the PACA region, which accounts for 42% of the area. Despite a historic drop in volumes, the renewed interest since 2020 suggests positive prospects, particularly for original species adapted to the local market.
Puschkinia as a differentiating species
Puschkinia var. libanotica , with its early flowering (March-April), soft hues and modest height (15 to 20 cm), offers an ideal aesthetic response to the demand for spring flowers. Although still not very present in French cut flower catalogs, it has real commercial potential. The 5-7 g bulbs represent an optimal compromise between purchase cost and cultural performance.
Economic and technical approach
Technical trials show that growing crops in open ground with planting in late autumn offers the best results. However, margins can remain limited: one study reports a selling price of €0.39/stem versus a purchase price of €0.45/bulb. This differential underscores the importance of mastering technical approaches and optimizing yields to achieve profitability.
Organic vs. conventional/untreated segment
-
Organic segment: Underdeveloped for Puschkinia, it is growing slowly. However, producers in conversion or specialized circuits may be interested in it as a means of diversification. Supply remains low.
-
Untreated segment: This is the emerging alternative to pure conventional. Several Dutch suppliers list untreated Puschkinia in sizes suitable for mass production. This category is increasingly appealing to circuits committed to sustainability without organic constraints.
Outlook
The new facilities, the "Slow Flower" dynamic, and the search for distinctive species for local production open up concrete prospects for Puschkinia. Its positioning remains to be refined, but it clearly fits into the emerging trends of the French ornamental market.
Botanical identification of Puschkinia scilloides and reference taxonomy
Morphological characteristics essential to culture
Port, dimensions and leaf structure
Morphologically, Puschkinia appears as a small plant, reaching an adult height of 10 to 15 cm, or even up to 20 cm depending on the sources and growing conditions. Its shape is generally straight at the base, with upright foliage , then slightly curved at the level of the inflorescence . It forms a compact clump barely exceeding 10 cm in width per bulb, but widening over time.
Typology and description of the bulb
The Puschkinia bulb is tunic-shaped, characterized by a dry, thin envelope. It is small, ovoid, with a common diameter of between 1.5 and 2 cm. Its color is typically whitish to light brown.
Flowering: structure, color and attractiveness
The foliage usually consists of two leaves per bulb. These leaves are ribbon- shaped, elongated and pointed, with a smooth texture and a dark green color. They measure between 10 and 15 cm in height and accompany flowering. An essential point for replenishing the bulb's reserves is to allow the foliage to yellow and dry completely after flowering, which takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
The flowers of Puschkinia scilloides are one of its main ornamental assets. They are star-shaped and gathered in loose terminal racemes on leafless flower stalks. Each stalk usually bears between 3 and 6 flowers. The dominant color is pale blue , with each petal marked with a darker blue central line, hence its common name "Striped Squill". All-white forms exist but are less common. These flowers give off a pleasant fragrance .
Geographical origin and natural biotope
Distribution of endemic species and habitats
Puschkinia , mainly represented by Puschkinia scilloides , originates from the mountainous regions of the Caucasus , northern Turkey , Lebanon , and northern Iran . Other less common species, such as Puschkinia bilgineri , Puschkinia kurdistanica , and Puschkinia peshmenii , are endemic to more restricted areas in Turkey and Iran.
Ecological adaptations in mountain environments
In its natural habitat, Puschkinia is adapted to continental climates , characterized by cold winters, temperate to warm summers, and precipitation concentrated in winter and early spring. It is found in mountain meadows and on rocky slopes , at altitudes up to 3,000 meters. Its preferred biotope includes alpine and subalpine wet meadows , as well as well-drained rocky slopes , often subject to spring snowmelt. The soil is generally light, stony to clayey-loamy, ensuring good drainage but remaining fresh when the snow melts to allow rapid growth before the summer drought. These natural conditions explain its hardiness and adaptation to cultivation in temperate climates with a well-drained soil and a dry summer dormancy period.
Biological cycle and perennial behavior
Summer dormancy and longevity in the ground
Puschkinia is a bulbous perennial , meaning it persists from year to year thanks to its underground bulb . After flowering and its foliage yellowing in spring, the bulb goes into summer dormancy , then re-emits new shoots and flowers the following spring.
Its longevity in place is remarkable. Very hardy, the bulbs can remain in the ground for many years without needing to be dug up. Once established, the plant has a strong capacity to naturalize and spread if the conditions (well-drained soil, suitable exposure, absence of excess humidity) suit it. The longevity of a clump can exceed 10 years, and it is not uncommon for it to persist much longer, with new bulbils taking over from the aging mother bulb .
Technical sources estimate that the bulbs can remain in place for 10 to 20 years or more if conditions are favorable.
Cold Hardiness and Compatible USDA Zones
In terms of cold hardiness , Puschkinia is particularly efficient. It is classified in USDA zones 3 to 8. Some sources specify zones 4a to 8b or zone 5A as the lower limit. In terms of minimum temperatures , this corresponds to a resistance of up to -40°C in zone 3. This great capacity to withstand the cold makes Puschkinia perfectly suited to cultivation in the vast majority of French regions , including the coldest.
Professional culture parameters
Soil specificities and drainage management
Successful professional cultivation of Puschkinia is based on compliance with its specific cultural requirements , which are largely inspired by its natural habitat.
Soil type is a determining factor. Puschkinia prefers light soil , ideally sandy loam or loamy . These soils facilitate aeration and drainage . Heavy or clayey soils should be avoided, but can be amended with coarse sand or gravel to improve their structure and drainage.
Drainage is crucial. The soil must be well-drained to avoid prolonged stagnant moisture , which is the main cause of bulb rot , especially in winter. Good drainage allows for rapid infiltration of water.
The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with an optimal range between 6.0 and 7.0. This pH ensures good availability of nutrients essential for healthy bulb growth .
Light exposure according to the landscape context
Puschkinia thrives in full sun to partial shade . Full sun promotes maximum flowering . In areas with very hot summers, light shade during the hottest hours of the day may be beneficial. This flexibility in light requirements makes the plant adaptable to a variety of landscape situations, including sunny borders or light woodland edges . It tolerates growing under deciduous trees provided it receives sufficient light in spring.
Planting techniques: density, depth, period
The ideal time to plant Puschkinia bulbs in France is autumn , from September to December, before the ground freezes. This window allows the bulbs to establish themselves and develop a good root system before the winter cold and spring flowering. It is recommended to plant when the soil temperature has dropped below 15°C, ideally between 7°C and 12°C, and before severe frosts.
The recommended planting depth varies slightly depending on the source, but a general rule of thumb is to cover the bulb with two to three times its height of soil. For standard-sized bulbs, this is 5 to 10 cm deep, tip up . Some sources recommend a depth of 10 to 15 cm for better stability and frost resistance in colder regions.
The spacing between bulbs depends on the desired effect. For professional cultivation aiming for high density , a spacing of 5 to 10 cm is recommended. Spacings of 6 cm or 5 to 8 cm are commonly cited. A spacing of 8 to 10 cm is considered standard to ensure good development, ease of maintenance and limit the risk of disease. For a rapid and dense mass effect, a density of 100-120 bulbs/m² is effective, with recommendations of up to 200 bulbs/m² to maximize the visual effect.
Watering and adapted fertilization strategy
Puschkinia , native to wet meadows, has moderate watering needs , mainly during its active growth and flowering period (late winter - spring). After autumn planting, moderate watering is useful to promote rooting, taking care not to saturate the soil. In winter, watering is generally not necessary. During spring growth, it is important to keep the soil slightly moist; about 15 to 20 mm of water per week (including rain) is sufficient if the weather is dry. Once the foliage has yellowed after flowering, watering should be reduced and then stopped to respect summer dormancy .
Puschkinia is not very demanding in terms of fertilization, but a targeted contribution can optimize the vigor of the bulbs and flowering. At planting or just before (autumn), a base dressing rich in phosphorus and potassium, but low in nitrogen (e.g. NPK 4-8-12 ) is recommended, incorporated into the upper 10 cm of the soil at a rate of 60 to 80 g/m². A light contribution of balanced soluble fertilizer (e.g. NPK 7-7-7 or 4-8-12 ) at the end of winter/beginning of vegetation (February-March), at a rate of 30 to 40 g/m² on poor soil, can support the vegetative start . Excess nitrogen should be avoided, which favors the foliage to the detriment of the flowers and can weaken the bulbs. Incorporating mature compost at planting is beneficial.
Maintenance practices in extensive cultivation
The maintenance of Puschkinia is relatively limited, which makes it an asset for professionals managing large spaces.
Weeding is mainly necessary for the first two years after planting to avoid competition. Once well established, the plant naturalizes and competes effectively with weeds.
Removing faded flowers is not essential (no deadheading required). It is crucial to allow the foliage to dry and yellow completely after flowering, as this phase allows the bulb to replenish its reserves for the following year. The foliage generally turns yellow 4 to 6 weeks after flowering. Not cutting the foliage prematurely also promotes naturalization .
Lifting and dividing bulbs are not required annually. Bulbs can remain in the ground for several years without losing their vigor. Division should only be considered if the clumps become too dense or if flowering weakens, generally after 5 to 7 years. If necessary, division is carried out in summer, once the foliage has completely dried out. The dug-up, separated bulbs (including the bulbils) are then replanted immediately at the recommended depths and spacings.
Spring monitoring is recommended, mainly to detect the possible presence of slugs and snails which can attack young shoots.
Protection and maintenance in difficult conditions
Mulching, drainage and prevention of climatic stress
Puschkinia is a hardy plant and does not require intensive winter protection in most French regions. However, in colder regions (northern and eastern France) or on heavy soils prone to waterlogging , a light mulch of 3 to 5 cm (dead leaves, straw) applied after autumn planting can provide additional protection against severe frosts and excessive moisture. For container crops , which are more sensitive to frost, it is recommended to place them under unheated shelter or to insulate the pots during the winter.
In very harsh winters, a 10-15 cm thick mulch applied after the first frosts can be beneficial. Impeccable drainage is essential to prevent water from stagnating and freezing around the bulbs. In case of prolonged drought , a weekly supply of 20-25 mm of water during growth, the incorporation of organic matter for water retention (20-30%) and a 5-8 cm mulch to limit evaporation are recommended. Planting slightly deeper (8-10 cm) and spacing them further apart (10 cm) can also help.
Multiplication in floricultural production
Bulb division: the main method of propagation
Puschkinia propagates preferentially in two main ways. The most efficient and fastest method for professionals is bulb division . Naturally, the main bulb produces bulbils (young lateral bulbs) which detach and form new plants , allowing the clumps to spread and become denser over time. Manual division of these bulbs and bulbils quickly produces plants identical to the mother plant, capable of flowering the following season.
Sowing: long-term diversification potential
Propagation by seed is also possible. Seeds , harvested after flowering when the capsules are ripe, can be sown immediately or saved. However, plants from seed take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity and flower, which is slower for commercial production .
For viable commercial production, division of bulbs every 3 to 4 years is recommended to maintain vigor and promote abundant flowering , while allowing for gradual densification .
Harvesting, storing and preserving bulbs
Harvesting bulbs and sorting commercial sizes
Puschkinia bulbs are harvested once the foliage has completely yellowed and dried , usually in late spring or early summer (around June in France). It is crucial to wait until the foliage has completely dried out to ensure that the bulb's reserves are replenished . The bulbs are carefully dug up with a tool, the soil is shaken off, and the bulblets are separated from the main bulbs. The recommended commercial bulb sizes are generally larger than 5 mm, or even 5/+ mm.
Drying procedure and optimal storage conditions
For storage , the bulbs should not be washed with water to avoid rotting. They are cleaned, freed from soil and dead roots, then dried in the shade in a ventilated place for 1 to 2 weeks. Storage should be in a dry, dark and well-ventilated place , ideally between 15°C and 20°C, in openwork boxes or nets . The bulbs can be kept like this until planting in the autumn . It is recommended to replant them every 3 to 5 years to maintain their vigor.
Seed collection and conservation
The seeds are cleaned, dried for 2 to 3 days, then stored in paper bags away from light and humidity at room temperature (15-20°C). Ideally, sow them in the fall , because their germination requires a period of cold (natural stratification).
Management of crop rotation
Health precautions and technical recommendations
Although sources do not give a detailed specific rotation, it is technically advisable to plan a crop rotation for Puschkinia , as for most bulb crops . A rotation of 3 to 4 years is generally sufficient to avoid the accumulation of bulb- specific pathogens in the soil. Crops to avoid before or after Puschkinia are those susceptible to stem nematodes (such as Ditylenchus dipsaci ), as this pest can affect ornamental bulbs . Late-flowering plants can be good complementary crops, taking advantage of the space left free by the summer dormancy of Puschkinia .
Cultivated varieties and available offers
Libanotica: the main market reference
The variety offering of Puschkinia is currently limited on the professional market. It is mainly centered around two major species or selections:
-
Puschkinia scilloides var. libanotica : This is the most commonly grown and commercialized variety . Its flowers are star-shaped, white to very pale blue in color, with a distinctive deep blue midline on each petal, creating the characteristic striated effect. It reaches a height of 8 to 15 cm at maturity. It flowers very early, typically from late winter to early spring (March-April depending on the region). It is known for its easy naturalization ability , its pleasant fragrance , and its resistance to deer and rodents . Each flower stem bears 6 to 8 flowers.
Peshmenii: occasional botanical interest
-
Puschkinia peshmenii : This species is rarer in trade and is often considered a botanical curiosity for collectors. Its flowers are described as greenish , sometimes pendulous, and less open than those of P. scilloides . Its height is similar (about 10 to 15 cm), but its flowering is a little later . It is native to Turkey and Iran .
In summary, for the professional market in France, Puschkinia scilloides var. libanotica constitutes the bulk of the offer, appreciated for its hardiness , its precocity and its ease of naturalization . The differences between the selections mainly concern the color and shape of the flowers, as well as the precocity of flowering.
Technical advantages for flower growers
Estimated yield per square meter
Puschkinia offers many technical and ornamental advantages that make it a relevant choice for professionals.
In professional cultivation , the yield of Puschkinia can be estimated. Each bulb typically produces several flower stalks , each bearing 6 to 8 small star-shaped flowers . With a recommended planting density of about 9 bulbs per square foot, or about 97 bulbs per square meter , a potential yield of 580 to 776 flower stalks per m² (based on 6 to 8 flowers per stalk) can be estimated. This yield can increase over the years through naturalization .
Landscape value and naturalization potential
Puschkinia fits remarkably well into various landscaping schemes . Its small size and compact habit make it ideal for rock gardens , where it creates a carpet effect between the stones. It also flourishes between shrubs , adding a low flowering in spring. One of its special features is its ability to thrive under deciduous trees , provided they receive spring light. It even tolerates the presence of black walnut , known for its allelopathic properties . With its modest height (10-15 cm) and spread (8-15 cm), it can be used as a ground cover in difficult areas.
Its naturalization capacity is excellent. The bulbs multiply naturally from year to year by producing bulbils , gradually densifying the beds without human intervention. A spacing of 5 to 8 cm when planting and a depth of 13 cm encourages this naturalization.
Interest in communities and major developments
Puschkinia is particularly suited to the needs of communities and managers of large green spaces . Its maintenance is very low : once planted in autumn in drained and sunny soil, the bulbs require little care . Watering is minimal after planting and during summer dormancy . The bulbs are not very susceptible to diseases in healthy soil, and do not require regular fertilization or specific pruning (apart from the removal of dried leaves).
Its early flowering (March-April) offers a floral spectacle of around 2 to 3 weeks per bulb, which can extend over 4 weeks in a dense bed. A planting density of 9 bulbs/m² allows for a dense and visually striking carpet in parks , roundabouts or at the base of trees . Its naturalization capacity reduces the need for annual replanting. Its investment cost is moderate and long-lasting.
In addition, it promotes biodiversity by attracting early pollinators . It is naturally resistant to rodents and deer . It adapts to various contexts , including poor soils .
Ecological function: attractiveness for pollinators
Puschkinia is very attractive to some pollinators , mainly bees . Its star-shaped flowers , rich in nectar and pollen, are considered excellent food sources for emerging pollinators in early spring (March-April). The blue lines on the petals serve as guides for insects. Planting groups of at least 25 bulbs allows for a significant presence attracting pollinators.
Greenhouse cultivation and controlled forcing
Vernalization and floral triggering protocols
Puschkinia lends itself well to forcing in a greenhouse or indoors to achieve off-season flowering . It is an " excellent forcing bulb ." The procedure requires a dry summer dormancy period , followed by a cold period ( vernalization ) to induce flowering. For forcing, place the bulbs in pots in an environment at 4-8°C for 10 to 12 weeks. After this period, the pots are moved to a temperate (around 15°C), well-lit environment to stimulate growth and flowering . Flowering generally occurs 12 to 16 weeks after planting under forcing conditions. It is crucial to use a well-draining substrate (pH 6.5 ideal) and to maintain moderate humidity (around 50%).
Limits of cut flower exploitation
Morphological constraints and commercial criteria
Despite its many advantages, Puschkinia is not generally recommended as a cut flower . Its modest height (10-20 cm) and the size of its flowers make it poorly suited to commercial cut flower standards. In addition, some sources mention a lack of fragrance , contradicting other sources that describe it as pleasant. It is therefore more valued for its use in flower beds and naturalization .
Health status: vigilance and preventive measures
Viral risk and anomaly detection
Puschkinia is known to be relatively unaffected by pests and diseases, but problems can arise, mainly related to growing conditions .
The main problem reported is susceptibility to viral infections . These can manifest as leaf and flower deformations , spots or streaks on the foliage, and a general reduction in vigor . In cases of confirmed viral infection, there is no curative treatment; the only effective measure is to dig up and destroy the affected bulbs to prevent spread. Visual inspection of bulbs before planting is an important preventative measure.
Fungal pathologies and development conditions
Fungal diseases (rots, especially Fusarium or Botrytis ) are rare but can develop in cases of excess moisture , particularly in poorly drained soil. Signs include watery spots on the leaves , soft or smelly tissue on the bulb, and sudden drooping of the plant . Ensuring good soil drainage is the most effective preventative measure.
Spring pests and tolerance thresholds
Some pests can attack young shoots in spring, particularly slugs and snails . Puschkinia , on the other hand, are naturally resistant to deer and rodents .
Visual indicators of vegetative performance
Visual indicators can be used to assess plant health . Bright green, upright, unblemished foliage , firm bulbs , and abundant, brightly colored blooms are signs of good health. Premature yellowing , spots , wilting , or misshapen flowers may indicate stress (water, heat), deficiencies (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), or infection .
In summary, Puschkinia is a robust plant requiring few phytosanitary treatments if grown in good drainage and light conditions . The main precautions concern the selection of healthy bulbs and the management of soil moisture .
To summarize: Our Puschkinia Bulbs
Puschkinia seduces with its pale blue striped blooms, its remarkable precocity and its ability to naturalize in the ground. In professional production, it allows for long-term establishment with a low level of maintenance. It is suitable for both floriculturists and communities looking for an aesthetic and sustainable solution. By choosing to buy Puschkinia bulbs , you are integrating a robust, decorative plant that is compatible with a diversified horticultural strategy.
Floriverse , your specialist wholesale supplier of flower bulbs , guarantees you a selection of professional quality Puschkinia bulbs , with uniform sizes, controlled storage and availability in organic, untreated or conventional versions. Our teams provide responsive order tracking and personalized technical advice to optimize your yields and secure your crops.
Looking to buy Puschkinia bulbs to diversify your floral offerings? Contact Floriverse , the specialist wholesale supplier of flower bulbs renowned for its expertise and commitment to quality. Thanks to our professional ordering platform and efficient logistics network, you can easily buy Puschkinia bulbs at the best value for money.
