When considering the acquisition of snowdrop bulbs (*Galanthus* spp.), understanding the fundamental biological differences between sourcing them "in the green" and as dormant dry bulbs is crucial for ensuring their successful establishment and long-term vitality.
The primary distinction lies in the plant's physiological condition. "In the green" refers to bulbs that are lifted and supplied shortly after flowering, while their leaves are still actively photosynthesizing. The bulb is a living storage organ, and at this stage, it is fully engaged in using its foliage to generate and store energy for the following year's growth cycle. In contrast, dry bulbs are fully dormant. They have been lifted after the foliage has died back naturally, cured, and stored. Their metabolic processes are slowed to a near standstill to survive the summer period until autumn planting triggers new root growth.
This is the most significant factor from the plant's perspective. Bulbs supplied "in the green" are typically lifted with a considerable portion of their root system still intact and functional. When replanted promptly, these existing roots can continue to absorb water and nutrients, supporting the plant as it completes its annual cycle and minimizing transplant shock. Dry bulbs, however, have had their roots desiccated and are often completely rootless. Upon planting, the bulb must first invest its stored energy into generating an entirely new root system before any top growth can be supported, a process that takes time and energy.
A snowdrop bulb is a reservoir of carbohydrates. Transplanting "in the green" allows the plant to continue photosynthesizing and replenishing these reserves even after being moved. The existing green leaves are factories producing the very energy needed for recovery. A dry bulb has a finite amount of stored energy with no immediate means to create more. If the process of generating new roots depletes these reserves too much before the leaves can emerge and become productive, the bulb may fail to flower or even survive. This makes the establishment of dry bulbs inherently more risky.
Dry bulbs are exceptionally vulnerable to desiccation. Their papery tunics offer some protection, but prolonged storage or exposure to dry conditions can cause the vital internal tissues to lose too much moisture, critically damaging the embryo within. Bulbs "in the green" are highly perishable and must be handled with care and replanted immediately to prevent their fleshy roots and leaves from wilting. They cannot be stored. The planting window for "in the green" bulbs is very narrow (a few weeks in spring), whereas dry bulbs offer more flexibility for autumn planting.
Due to the reduced transplant shock and established root system, snowdrops planted "in the green" are far more likely to flower reliably the following spring. They establish quickly and begin multiplying naturally sooner. Dry bulbs, focused on root regeneration, will often skip their first flowering season, directing all energy into re-establishing themselves. They may take a year or two to settle in and begin flowering consistently, slowing the process of forming a naturalized colony.
