It's a tricky thing to predict. Most of my order from Floyd Cove bloomed this year. I had them shipped mid April. You're trying to gauge when it will be ok to get them in your zone together with what's going on down south. I was told it warmed up pretty quick down that way last year so things went into scape a bit ahead of schedule. I usually tell southern growers that I am for early to mid April but I will be in touch if it's still too cold up here. Never had a problem delaying a bit.
If you really want blooms the first year, I'd advise making sure they get watered in well and fertilized a bit to encourage them.
