Planting Bulbs; when do I start planting them?
Bulbs provide your
garden with vibrant color from early spring through late
summer. Bulbs are, in general, very hearty, easy to grow
and care for, and will bloom year after year. All you
need is a little elbow grease and you can have colorful
flowers from your bulbs all through the spring and
summer. Daffodils, iris, tulips, gladiolus, hyacinth,
and daylilies seam to be the most common types that most
bulb enthusiasts prefer.
Choosing
Bulbs:
You can find Bulbs either over the internet or from your
local garden store. When buying bulbs, the larger the
better in order to ensure a good bloom (bulb size is
usually listed as DNI being the largest, DNII being
smaller, and DNIII being smallest).
Good bulbs should
also be firm (avoid signs of rotting or softness) and
should not exhibit signs of external damage such as
cracks and deep scratches. Avoid bulbs that are already
growing shoots or roots. Before planting, keep bulbs
stored in a cool, dry location without direct sunlight.
When deciding
which type of bulb to purchase, think about timing. (Click
here to find your Plant Hardiness Zone) Are you
looking for color for early spring? mid-summer? Perhaps
you would like several types of bulbs that bloom at
different times so that you have color extended
throughout spring and summer?
Here are some recommendations for which bulbs bloom at
what time.
Planting
Bulbs:
As a rule of thumb, bulbs should be planted in the fall
(roughly early to mid-October). You want to get the
bulbs in the ground about six weeks before the ground
starts to freeze. Plant the bulbs in well-prepared soil.
Planting depth is determined by the type of bulb (4
inches deep for crocus, 6 inches deep for daffodils and
hyacinths, 8 inches deep for tulips). Spacing is also
determined by the type of the bulb, but, in general,
plant bulbs about four to six inches apart. If you
prefer a more formal look of rows, you may wish to
invest in a bulb planter. If you desire a more natural,
clumped look, dig a wider hole that can accommodate
several bulbs (5 to 10) planted together. A small amount
of fertilizer can be added at the bottom of each hole,
then covered with a thin layer of soil so that the bulb
is not resting directly on the fertilizer. Bulbs should
be placed into the hole pointed end up with the flat
rooting side facing down. Cover the holes with soil and
give the bulbs a thorough soaking of water.
Caring for Bulbs:
Dead-heading
Dead-heading (removing dead flowers) will allow the
plants to put all their energy into new and existing
flowers. Do not, however, remove the leaves once the
flowers have gone until they start to turn brown.
Winter Care
In climates of zone 6 and below (click here to find your
zone), many bulbs are hearty enough to make it through
the winter in the ground. Varieties that are vulnerable
to frost, such as dahlias, should be dug up and wintered
in a frost-free environment. Better yet, unless you just
have to have that dahlia, just opt to plant the
varieties that can spend the winter in the ground.
Bulbs are a
wonderful way (with minimal effort) to bring vibrant
color to your garden throughout the spring and summer.
With just a little work in the fall, you can enjoy
beautiful blooms as early as next spring!
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