Also known as Squill · 47 gardener saves
Scilla: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Scilla, the genus most gardeners know as squill. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Scilla varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedSiberian Squill
Scilla siberica
#2 most savedTubergen Squill
Scilla mischtschenkoana
#3 most savedChinese Squill
Scilla scilloides
How to grow Scilla
What the Scilla varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Scilla year
- PlantSeptember–November100% of varieties
Plant bulbs 3-4 inches deep in fall.
- DivideJune67% of varieties
Divide clumps after foliage has died back, only if flowering has diminished.
Do
- Water regularly during active growth 🌱
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize in early spring for vibrant blooms
- Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring 🌱
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering which can cause bulb rot ❌
- Don’t disturb bulbs when foliage is green
- Skip heavy fertilization late in the season
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
What goes wrong with Scilla
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Bulb mites | Stunted growth and malformed bulbs | Use organic neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and flower stems | Use organic slug pellets or beer traps |
| Narcissus Bulb Fly | Sunken, rotting bulbs | Apply appropriate insecticide or remove affected bulbs |
| Narcissus bulb fly | Deformed or rotting bulbs | Apply appropriate chemical insecticide |
| Gray mold | Gray fuzzy mold on leaves and bulbs | Improve air circulation and remove affected plant parts |
| Gray Mold | Fuzzy gray fungal growth on leaves | Improve air circulation and remove affected plant parts |
Making more Scilla
Division
- Dig up clumps in early fall.
- Gently separate bulbs with a sharp knife.
- Replant immediately at same depth.
- Water well after planting.
- Allow 6 weeks for roots to establish.
Dividing
- Lift clumps after foliage dies back in late spring
- Gently separate offsets with clean tools
- Plant divisions 3 inches deep in well-prepared soil
- Water thoroughly and mulch
Scilla questions
How many types of Scilla are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Scilla varieties. The most popular — ranked by 47 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Scilla grow in?
Across its varieties, Scilla covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Scilla bloom?
Most Scilla varieties bloom in early spring, late summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Scilla should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Scilla shows up in
Design with Scilla in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
