Tips on how to plant, grow and care for flowering bulbs.
Flowering bulbs are easy to grow and quite popular among garden plants. With proper care, they will continue to bloom year after year, increasing in numbers each year. Flowering bulbs make lovely, colorful additions to any garden, especially when planted in groups and mixed borders. Typically, the majority of bulbs are purchased through mail-order catalogs or nurseries which specialize in these types of plants; however, they are also available at most garden centers as well. Ordering bulbs through catalogs or nurseries provide many benefits. The quality of bulbs is usually better; since bulbs are dormant, shipping them is easy; and they are often shipped at the appropriate planting times so all you have to do is stick them in the ground. Bulbous plants include different types; there are true bulbs, which consist of narcissus, tulip, and hyacinth; corms, such as crocus and freesia; rhizomes, like iris or lily species; and tubers, such as cyclamen and begonia. When selecting bulbs, from garden centers, try to choose bulbs which are firm. They should not be soft, withered, or blemished as this will not produce a healthy plant. Also, handle them with care as bulbs are quite susceptible to environmental conditions which may cause them to shrivel, injuring the plant. It is often a good idea to consider your landscape needs prior to planting. Check reference books, labels, and packaging for hardiness requirements. Also, consider color, bloom time, and overall height of chosen plants as well as their compatibility to other perennial plants or shrubs. Proper planting will keep the garden full of blooms throughout different seasons and ensure healthy growth.
Once bulbs have been chosen or shipped, place them in the ground as soon as possible, otherwise, keep them in a cool, dry area. Generally, bulbs are planted before the soil freezes and after the planting of perennials, annuals, or shrubs to avoid disturbing the bulbs. Winter and spring bulbs require dormant periods in cool temperatures in order to stimulate their growth and development. These types of bulbs are hardy and can be left in the ground throughout each year; however summer and fall bulbs are tender and usually cannot survive in excessively cold temperatures; thus, they are planted in the spring. After the first initial frost, they must be dug up and kept in a frost-free and dry environment. Popular winter bulbs are crocus, cyclamen, and snowdrops. Common spring bulbs might include tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Summer and fall bulbs consist of gladiolus, begonias, dahlias, autumn crocus, and autumn daffodils. Bulbs prefer well-drained loamy soil. Planting depths for bulbs are normally around 2 ½ times their diameter. Larger bulbs may be planted approximately 8 inches deep, while the smaller bulbs are placed at about 5 inches into the ground. Generally, the lighter the soil is, the deeper the bulb goes. Always place the bulb with its point facing upward. Spacing varies depending on the type and quantity of bulbs. 3-10 inches apart is sufficient for most large bulbs and 1-2 inches apart for smaller ones. Be sure to water generously after planting and cover well with mulch to help retain moisture.
Bulbs make good companions for woody plants. They provide the landscape with a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and bloom times. Interplant bulbs with late-blooming perennials to provide nonstop procession of flowers and foliage. The emerging perennial foliage will also hide the bulb foliage once they begin to fade. Layering different types in groups will also provide a succession of blooms as well as an interesting effect. To accomplish this, simply place the larger, late-blooming bulbs (tulips, daffodils) at the bottom and cover with soil. Add the smaller, early-blooming bulbs (crocus, hyacinth) on top. Cover with remaining soil and enjoy the beautiful flowers as they pop out of the ground. Planting bulbs in drifts rather than rows will produce a more dramatic effect.
Flowering bulbs brighten winter blahs and provide a colorful beginning to the new spring season, while maintaining additional color and interest during summer and fall as other plants are dying down. They work well in beds, borders, containers, and woodland areas under deciduous trees and shrubs. For added texture, brilliant colors, and longer-blooming cycles in your landscape and garden, consider planting some flowering bulbs.
