Untreated flower bulbs Sternbergia lutea size 10/12 (3890100) for individuals

Order your professional Sternbergia bulbs

Floriverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of Sternbergia vegetable bulbs , supports demanding floriculturists in their production of autumn cut flowers. Buying your Sternbergia bulbs guarantees you a professional quality product, from specialized nurseries. Our bulbs, available in size 10/12, are selected for their varietal resistance, high yield and disease tolerance. Take advantage of our producer prices , our fast and careful delivery throughout France and our responsive sales department . Dedicated technical support and personalized advice are at your disposal to secure your plantations. Our bulbs are available in organic, untreated or conventional, depending on your growing objectives. Order now or request a free quote to benefit from a solution adapted to your professional needs.

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Introducing our Sternbergia range

We offer a wide range of Sternbergia flower bulbs , suitable for all your professional floriculture needs. Our bulbs are available in organic , untreated and conventional versions, giving you the flexibility to choose the level of naturalness that meets your growing objectives. Thanks to our expertise in specialized production, we guarantee professional quality bulbs, suitable for the production of cut flowers as well as the creation of aesthetic flowerbeds.

To meet the diverse needs of the market, we offer a wide range of organic Sternbergia flower bulbs that meet the strictest criteria in the industry, as well as high-quality conventional bulbs that meet the standards of professional cut flower producers.

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Market approach: Sternbergia cultivation in France

The Sternbergia cut flower market in France (2022–2025): Analysis and Outlook

Sternbergia lutea , or "yellow autumn crocus," enjoys a prominent place among autumn cut flowers thanks to its remarkable flowering from September to October. With golden-yellow flowers measuring 4 to 6 cm in diameter, it appeals to growers looking for distinctive varieties to expand their offerings.

Introduction to Sternbergia lutea for the professional market

For the professional florist, Sternbergia lutea is a major asset in the autumn calendar. Its prolonged flowering, ease of growing in well-drained soil, and ability to naturalize quickly make it a suitable option for creating original bouquets and authentic compositions.

General state of the cut flower market in France

The French cut flower market is worth around €300 million per year, with a high reliance on imports (85%), thus opening up real opportunities for local production. The share of cut flowers in ornamental plant sales increased from 33.5% in 2017 to 38.1% in 2020, illustrating the growing interest in the segment.

Structure of the French productive sector

Only 400 French farms specialize in cut flowers, among the 2,761 horticultural farms, mainly located in the PACA region (42%). With approximately 700 to 800 active producers and a total area of ​​approximately 500 hectares, the potential for diversification remains significant.

Analysis of the specific market of Sternbergia

Although generally grown in clumps, Sternbergia benefits from specific advantages as cut flowers:

• Professional caliber (10/12) guaranteeing quality rods
• Autumn positioning (September–October), filling a calendar where local supply is scarce
• Visual appeal linked to its resemblance to the crocus, popular with consumers

Distinction between organic, conventional and untreated market

Conventional market: affordable prices (from €0.40 to €0.60 excluding tax depending on volume).

Organic/untreated bulb market: a rapidly growing segment (+12%), meeting the demand for more sustainable flowers. Organic and untreated bulbs are appealing to growers looking for flowers with a low ecological footprint.

Opportunities for professional florists

Sternbergia is particularly relevant for:

• Expanding the autumn assortment with a distinctive offer
• Take advantage of the major weight of the independent florist (58% of sales)
• Optimize planting density (15 bulbs/m²) for suitable yields
• Highlight the French origin of the product in the face of imports representing 85% of the market

Outlook 2025–2026

For the coming years, Sternbergia is establishing itself as a strategic choice for producers looking for autumn diversification. With organic and untreated bulbs, it benefits from the growing consumer awareness of traceability, local production and controlled environmental impact.

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Presentation of our commercial arguments

Econome à Légumes offers you a complete range of Sternbergia flower bulbs designed to meet the specific needs of professionals:

• Simple and seamless agricultural supply, without complications
• Personalized technical advice throughout your cultivation projects
• Free quotes and advice as well as fully personalized offers
• Detailed technical itinerary to guarantee the success of your plantations
• Delivery possible within 15 days in season, with the possibility of reserving your bulbs before the growing period
• Careful delivery throughout France to guarantee the quality of the product upon arrival
• Sternbergia flower bulbs at producer prices, adapted to your economic constraints
• Professional quality Sternbergia flower bulbs, grown by specialist bulb growers
• Decreasing prices according to the volume ordered to maximize your margins
• Bulbs from specialized nursery production, guaranteeing characteristics that meet your production standards
• Unbeatable value for money to meet your profitability challenges
• Responsive sales service, guaranteeing a response and a detailed quote in less than 48 hours
• Dedicated technical support to assist you with your varietal choices, your cultivation methods and your harvests
• Sternbergia flower bulbs wholesale and online, making your orders easy throughout the season

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Morphology and Botanical Characteristics

Bulbous Structure and Technical Characteristics

Sternbergia, like typical bulbs of the Amaryllidaceae family, develops from a robust tunic bulb , not a corm or rhizome. This bulb consists of fleshy scales protected by a thin, papery tunic. On average, a mature, marketable bulb of Sternbergia lutea has a diameter ranging from 3 to 5 cm , with an ovoid to elongated shape and a marked tip from which the flower stalk and foliage emerge. Its external color varies from light brown to golden brown, while its internal flesh is a firm ivory white. This technical configuration guarantees excellent dry storage capacity before planting , greatly facilitating professional handling, whether manual or mechanical. It should be noted that bulbs have a natural tendency to migrate in depth over the years, the new bulb forming under the old one which dries out, a phenomenon of interest for the establishment of sustainable plantations.

Foliage and Vegetative Cycle

The foliage of Sternbergia consists of long, narrow, lanceolate leaves , reminiscent of those of the crocus. Arranged in upright tufts, they give the plant a compact and elegant appearance. To the touch, the leaves are smooth, without roughness, and display a deep dark green , offering a striking contrast to the vividness of the yellow autumn flowers. At maturity, their length is generally between 10 and 20 cm , and their width is less than 1 cm .

The foliage cycle is a major feature: the leaves appear in autumn, simultaneously or shortly after flowering, and persist throughout the winter , even in regions with mild winters. They only die back and turn yellow in spring, at the start of the bulb's summer dormancy period. This winter presence offers undeniable ornamental interest, bringing a touch of greenery when many flowerbeds are bare. For optimal replenishment of the bulb's reserves , it is crucial to let the foliage turn yellow and dry completely before any intervention.

Floral Characteristics

Sternbergia flowers are simply and remarkably beautiful. They are cup- or goblet-shaped, reminiscent of crocuses or small daffodils. Each flower emerges directly from the ground, carried by a solitary upright stem, above the foliage. The diameter of these flowers is generally between 2.5 and 7.5 cm . Their dominant color is a bright, vivid yellow , often described as lemon yellow or golden yellow, a true "Golden Amaryllis". Each flower is composed of six tepals (petaloid segments) and six stamens. Generally lacking any perceptible fragrance , their flowering period extends from September to November, depending on climatic conditions, thus offering a luminous spectacle in a season when blooms are rare. The total height of the flowering plant , including the stem and the flower, is between 10 and 20 cm , although some references mention an average height of 10 to 30 cm. The habit is resolutely upright with upright flowers, which makes them ideal for structured compositions.

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Cultural Requirements and Implementation Parameters

Climate Adaptation and Hardiness

Sternbergia is inherently adapted to the Mediterranean climate , characterized by long, hot, and very dry summers (sometimes up to five months of drought) and mild to moderately cold and humid autumns, winters, and springs. This adaptation gives it excellent tolerance to summer heat . Regarding its hardiness, it is considered semi-hardy, withstanding temperatures as low as -6 °C for Sternbergia lutea. Some sources even list it as far as USDA zone 6, meaning it can withstand minimum temperatures ranging from about -17.8 °C to -12.2 °C under optimal protection conditions, although it can be damaged below -2 °C. For professional cultivation in France, it is advisable to plant it in protected locations, especially in regions where winter temperatures can drop below -2 °C. Winter humidity is the most limiting factor , as it promotes bulb rot.

Soil and Drainage Requirements

The crucial element for Sternbergia is a perfectly drained soil . Excess moisture, especially in winter, is the main factor in bulb rot. Sternbergia thrives in stony, often calcareous, light and stony, or even poor soils. For outdoor cultivation, if the soil is heavy or clayey, it is imperative to amend it with 30 to 40% coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage. Planting on a mound (raised by 10-20 cm) is a recommended technique for soils that tend to be humid. In terms of pH, although not precisely specified in all sources, a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (around 6.5-7.5) is deduced from its Mediterranean origin. For pot cultivation, a mixture of one third loam, one third potting soil, and one third medium-grained river sand ensures optimal drainage while providing essential nutrients.

Exposure and Light Conditions

Sternbergia requires a very bright exposure for abundant flowering and optimal vigor. Full sun is the ideal exposure and highly recommended, with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day . Hot and dry regions are ideal for it, as it is not affected by summer heat or drought. Partial shade can be tolerated, but it will result in less spectacular flowering and a risk of the bulbs wilting. A southern or southwest exposure is preferred, avoiding any persistent shade.

Natural Habitat and Biotopes

In its natural habitat, Sternbergia lutea is found between 200 and 1,000 meters above sea level , while other species such as Sternbergia colchiciflora can be found from 340 meters up to 2,300 meters depending on the locality. Sternbergia grow spontaneously in a variety of biotopes such as stony soils, clearings, open meadows, woodland edges and stony scree. They are frequently found under vineyards or among olive trees in their Mediterranean native area, demonstrating their ability to integrate into established ecosystems.

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Cultural Management and Production Techniques

Production Cycle and Programming

Sternbergia lutea, as a perennial bulbous plant , follows a well-defined life cycle, alternating vegetative growth and periods of dormancy, essential to understand for its professional cultivation.

Sternbergia lutea is a perennial plant with a cycle marked by distinct phases. Flowering occurs in autumn , from September to October, with the first flowers blooming from the beginning of September. After this spectacular flowering, the dark green foliage develops and persists during the winter and spring, playing a crucial role in replenishing the bulb's reserves. During the summer, the plant enters summer dormancy , with its aerial part disappearing completely to allow the bulbs to survive drought thanks to their internal reserves. This Mediterranean cycle is fundamental for its optimal development.

Planting Techniques

For successful autumn flowering, the optimal planting period is between July and August . Planting can be done as late as September, but planting after this date may compromise flowering. In colder climates, planting can be done in spring, once all risk of frost has passed.

Planting depth varies slightly depending on the source, but the general rule is about three times the bulb diameter . Technical recommendations specify a depth of 5 cm for a classic planting , and up to 15 cm for Sternbergia lutea. For professionals, the use of a bulb planter is recommended to ensure exact depth and optimal placement of the bulb, thus minimizing the risk of rot.

Regarding spacing, a distance of 10 to 15 cm between each bulb is recommended to allow for adequate development and the formation of dense clumps. In terms of planting density, for optimal effect in professional beds, aim for 15 to 20 bulbs per square meter . For large spaces and naturalization, 50 to 100 bulbs per 10 m² are recommended, while a density of 100 to 150 bulbs/m² is possible in intensive professional cultivation.

Water and Nutrition Management

Sternbergia, adapted to dry and stony soils, has moderate water requirements . Watering must be regular at the start of vegetation (autumn/spring), but must be stopped in summer during the dormant period. Drained soil is crucial to avoid bulb rot, especially in winter. In the event of exceptional drought at the end of summer, moderate watering of 10 to 15 L/m² can be considered to support recovery, but excess moisture should be avoided.

Sternbergia is not very demanding in terms of fertilization , preferring poor soils. A special bulb fertilizer, low in nitrogen and high in potassium and phosphorus (for example, a 5-10-10 balance), can be applied in the spring during active growth. It is imperative to avoid overfertilization and any fertilization during summer dormancy.

Protection and Mulching

The main threat to Sternbergia bulbs is excessive moisture in winter, which can lead to rot. Optimal soil drainage is therefore the first line of defense. In addition, a mineral mulch (gravel, pozzolan) with a thickness of 5 to 7 cm , applied from planting (July-August), is recommended.

In regions with very harsh winters (temperatures below -5°C), a protective layer of 8 to 10 cm of dry materials (dead leaves, straw) can be added in the event of prolonged frost. This protection should be removed during wet periods to prevent waterlogging. In milder regions, if drainage is good, no special winter protection is necessary. For potted crops in cold areas, wintering in a frost-free location (5-10°C) is preferable.

Routine Maintenance and Division

Sternbergia is relatively easy to care for, making it attractive for professional cultivation. It is not necessary to remove faded flowers, as they will fade naturally. The foliage should be left until it has completely yellowed (about 6 to 8 weeks after flowering) to allow the bulb to replenish its reserves.

Dividing the clumps is recommended every 4 to 5 years , or even 5 to 6 years, to maintain the vigor and quality of flowering, and to avoid overcrowding of the bulbs. This operation should be carried out during the vegetative rest period, generally in summer or spring, and the bulbs should be replanted immediately. For potted cultivation, repotting every 2 to 4 years is recommended to renew the substrate.

Cultural Rotation

To prevent soil depletion and the spread of specific diseases and pests, crop rotation is essential . It is imperative to avoid replanting Sternbergia or other species of the Amaryllidaceae family in the same location for at least 3 to 4 years . The crops preceding or following Sternbergia should be plants that require little water and nutrients, and avoid those that strongly acidify the soil. In the event of nematode infestation, it is recommended to leave the plot fallow for at least 3 years.

Harvesting and Preserving Bulbs

Sternbergia bulbs should be harvested in late spring or early summer (May-June), when the foliage is completely yellowed and dry, about 6 to 8 weeks after the leaves have started to turn yellow. The bulbs should be dug up carefully to avoid injury, then cleaned of excess soil and dead roots. Careful sorting is required to remove diseased bulbs and size them (small, medium, large).

After harvesting, the bulbs require a drying period of 1 to 2 weeks in a dry, ventilated, shaded place at a temperature of around 20-25°C. For professional storage, the optimal conditions are a temperature of 15-20°C (never above 25°C), a relative humidity of 50-60% , and excellent ventilation to prevent condensation and the development of fungal diseases. The bulbs can be stored in ventilated trays or crates, or mesh bags, in layers of 2 to 3 bulbs maximum. Replanting is ideally carried out between mid-August and mid-September.

Forced Cultivation and Production Under Cover

Sternbergia can be grown effectively in pots and under cover, allowing greater control over growing conditions. For forcing, it is essential to respect a three-month summer dormancy cycle , ideally at temperatures above 20°C, or even 25-30°C.

When planting in pots, bulbs should be placed about 5 inches (12.7 cm) deep, with 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) spacing (about 5 bulbs per 6-inch pot ). The ideal growing medium is a free-draining mix, such as neutral sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and a slow-release fertilizer, with an optimal pH between 6 and 7. Irrigation should be moderate, with the growing medium allowed to dry almost completely between waterings, and greatly reduced during dormancy. Growing under cover requires good ventilation to avoid fungal problems and a mulched growing surface.

Vernalization and Floral Stimulation

Unlike many bulbs, Sternbergia does not require strict vernalization (a prolonged cold period) to induce flowering. Its cycle is stimulated more by a warm, dry summer rest period , followed by a cooler, wetter period. Keeping the bulbs dry at a temperature above 20°C for 2 to 3 months in summer is crucial to ensure optimal flowering in autumn or spring, depending on the species. The cool temperatures of a French winter are sufficient, but excessive cold is not a prerequisite for flowering.

Multiplication and Yield Optimization

For the sustainability and expansion of professional crops, mastery of multiplication methods and good anticipation of yields are essential.

The preferred and most effective propagation method for Sternbergia in professional cultivation is the division of the bulbils (offsets), which are small bulbs produced around the main bulb. This method guarantees a faithful reproduction of the characteristics of the mother plant, faster growth and flowering than with other techniques. Each mature bulb can produce 1 to 3 bulbils per year , and these can reach flowering size in 2 to 3 years under optimal conditions.

Propagation by seed is possible, but it is very slow, with seedlings requiring 5 to 7 years to flower , with significant genetic variability. Therefore, it is rarely used by professionals. More advanced methods, such as in vitro culture, can be considered for rapid multiplication on a large scale, by taking explants from bulbs and growing them on specific media.

To summarize: Our Sternbergia lutea bulbs

As a specialist wholesale supplier of Sternbergia bulbs , Floriverse provides floriculturists with calibrated batches of Sternbergia lutea , particularly suitable for the production of cut flowers in autumn. Thanks to their professional size (10/12), our bulbs ensure rapid flowering and excellent naturalization potential. Grown by specialized nurseries, they offer consistent quality and ideal technical characteristics: flowering in September-October, robust stems, strong disease resistance, low water requirements, tolerance to poor soils. Our dedicated technical support helps you choose the optimal packaging and density for each cultivated area. Buying Sternbergia lutea bulbs from Floriverse means choosing a recognized, reliable and responsive company, with stock available in organic, untreated and conventional. Our prices are decreasing according to quantities, and delivery is guaranteed throughout France. Whether you want to buy Sternbergia lutea bulbs for cut flowers or for high-value landscaped beds, you benefit from professional, tailor-made support. Book now to secure your supply and maximize your yield in the fall. With Floriverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of Sternbergia bulbs , you can be sure of reliable, selected products that meet industry standards. Don't wait any longer to buy Sternbergia lutea bulbs with complete confidence: professional quality, personalized advice, responsive customer service, and optimized delivery. As a leading wholesale supplier specializing in Sternbergia bulbs , we help you achieve successful fall crops.