All About Bulbs: Native California Blooms with Tim Becker — Nov. 20, 2026

About this event

The lovely blooms of some species of California native plants actually come from underground bulbs and our annual Fall Plant Sale is the only time of the year we have them available for purchase.

In this interactive, hands-on course, students will dive into the fascinating process of propagating bulbs from both seeds and mature plants. This time of year is perfect for harvesting bulbs from containers, repotting dormant specimens, and starting new ones from seed. Participants will clean and sift bulbs, explore the qualities of different propagation media, and learn specialized techniques to successfully germinate a variety of bulb species.

Through guided practice, students will develop a deeper understanding of the life cycle and care of native bulbs. Each participant will take home a selection of dry bulbs and freshly sown seeds to continue propagating at home.

All material provided. A portion of the workshop will held outdoors in a shaded area. We recommend closed-toe shoes and a water bottle.

Tim Becker is the Theodore Payne Foundation’s Director of Horticulture where he oversees plant production, nursery operations, and horticultural education focused on California native plants. With a background in Environmental Studies and Agroecology from UC Santa Cruz, he brings expertise in sustainable landscape practices and ecological horticulture. Through his work, he leads efforts to promote biodiversity, natural resource conservation, and habitat restoration.

📅 Refund Policy: Refunds are available up to seven days before the event. Within seven days, refunds and credits are no longer available, as this helps us plan responsibly and support our instructors. Thank you for your understanding.

From Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants