Perennials

Bulbs

Dig a hole, drop in a bulb, then sit back and wait for spring. For the lazy gardener, or those in a hurry, spring bulbs provide us spectacular spring color, for very little effort in the fall. And now is the time to plant them.

When you mention bulbs, most people immediately think of daffodils and tulips. And while they are wonderful bulbs, there are many other bulbs to choose from. Some different small flowers include snowdrops, crocus, grape hyacinths, winter aconite, and anemones. Larger flowers include Dutch iris, flowering onions called alliums, fritillaria and the crown imperial fritillaria. Of course don’t exclude daffodils, hyacinths and tulips.

What Are Bulbs?

Bulbs are self-sufficient storage organs, and are versatile in the landscape. There are bulbs for partial shade as well as full sun. All bulbous plants have similar life cycles. They go through periods of growth and flowering, followed by a dormancy period. Some are spring growers, while others grow in the summer or fall. Bulbs are usually sold in their dormant, dry state. When planted, they being to initiate rooms, and the stems inside the bulbs begin to grow. The plants utilize their stored food reserves, and the shoots begin to emerge. When they begin flowering, the storage organ or bulb, is empty of food. After bloom, they need to replenish the storage organ for the upcoming dormancy.

Choosing Bulbs

When choosing bulbs ( or rhizomes, corms, and tubers, which we collectively call bulbs, and are generally planted in the same manner), look for large bulbs, which are firm and blemish free. The size of the bulb determines the size of the flower. Remember, everything is already contained inside your bulb when you purchase them. Quality bulbs will give you a wonderful show, and should keep giving for years with a little care. Bargain bulbs may not end up being such a bargain.

Choosing a Site

Be sure to choose a site with well drained soil. Even bulbs which like moisture, won’t survive for long in water logged soil. Bulbs thrive in an environment rich in organic matter, and a porous soil. Incorporate organic matter before planting, and till it in well. Generally, bulbs need to be planted two to two and ½ times the size of the bulb, deep in the ground. Bulbs can be planted individually using a bulb planter. They also sell an auger drill bit that will fit on the end of your drill to make the planting holes. But if you are planting a large quantity of bulbs, it is easier and quicker to dig up a large area to the required depth, then space out the bulbs and cover them with soil. Be sure to plant the bulbs with the pointy end up, and use care when covering the bulbs with soil, that you don’t knock the bulbs over in the process. When you have the soil in place, water well and mulch to keep weeds down. Since the bulbs are underground, you can also plant seasonal annuals, such as pansies or snapdragons on top of the bulbs. In the spring, the bulbs will emerge within your annual color.

Fertilization

Fertilization is really not necessary at planting, but many people add bone meal around the bulbs to aid in root establishment. Fertilization is needed during the growing season to aid in the replenishment of the bulb. Fertilize once when the flower buds are beginning to open with a slow release fertilizer, or a general purpose fertilizer can be used when they show color, and again when the flowers have faded.