Nothing gives the promise of spring more than tulips, daffodils, other spring blooming bulbs. Fall is the time to plant if you want to enjoy these early spring treats. Many gardeners tend to use the term "bulb" rather liberally referring to any plant with an underground storage structure. True bulbs are modified leaves attached to a basal plate that surrounds the following years buds. The roots grow down from the basal plate. Some bulbs like tulips and narcissi (daffodils) have a papery tunic surround the bulb. Others bulbs like lilies and fritillaries have scales covering the bulbs.
Using Bulbs in the Landscape
Bulbs are one of the first flowers of spring. This makes them very adaptable in the landscape. They can be planted in full sun or under a deciduous tree. The bulbs will bloom before the tree leafs out. Any soil is acceptable; however, adding a compost and organic fertilize at planting time makes for happier healthierbulbs. They can also be planted in containers. This is a great option if you love tulips and have deer that love them too. Containers of tulips on a porch may not be bothered by deer unless they are overly friendly.
Bulbs are at their best planted in groups rather than scattered or planted in rows. Medium sized bulbs like tulips, narcissi, or hyacinths look nice planted in groups of 7-10. Small bulbs such as crocuses, or Siberian squalls can be planted in groups of 12 or more. Leave spaces between clusters of bulbs to interplant ground covers, annuals, or perennials. By early summer bulbs leaves will fade and the spotlight will be on other flowers.
Stacked Planting of Bulbs
This technique will give you succession of blooming bulbs. Plant tall growing bulbs such as late tulips. Add a layer of soil mixed with compost and plant a midseason hyacinth. Add another layer and plant an early blooming small bulb such as crocuses.
Types of Bulbs
Bulbs are classified according to their blooming season. There are late winter flowering, spring flowering, summer flowering, and fall flowering bulbs. Then within each season group (ei. spring flowering) there are early, midseason, and late bloomers. Bulbs are also classified as hardy, semi-hardy, and tender bulbs. This post will focus on hardy bulbs which include: cyclamen, fritillary, grape hyacinth, snowflake, striped squill, tulips, crocus, and narcissi.
Late Winter Flowering Bulbs: snowdrops, Iris reticulate
Early Spring Bulbs: crocus, Siberian squill
Midseason Spring Bulbs: tulips, narcissi
Naturalizing Bulbs
Naturalized plantings are one of the benefits of bulbs. Choose bulbs that are hardy and appropriate for your soil. Planting methods can be as simple as tossing the bulbs in the air and planting them were they land or lay out a garden hose in a meandering path and then plant in that path.
Propagating Bulbs
Bulbs multiple on their own without your intervening. You can dig up a bulb and find numerous bulbs of various sizes. The larger ones can be replanted and will bloom the following the year. The smaller bulbs will need to be grown out until they reach flowering size.
Planting Bulbs
When you receive your bulbs in early fall for hardy bulbs and early spring for tender bulbs. Prepare a planting hole a few inches deeper than the recommended planting depth. Add compost and a dry organic fertilizer to the soil you removed. Add enough soil to bring to the appropriate planting depth and plant the bulb. Space the bulbs a few inches apart. Water well.
Planting Depths
Narcissa 10 Inches
Tulips 8 inches
Crocus 4 inches
Allium 6 inches
Hyacinth 6 inches
Maintaining Bulbs
Hardy bulbs require little care. Water throughout fall until the ground freezes. In the spring you can fertilize as the bulbs begin to bloom. I use fish emulsion. The flowers will begin to fade. If they develop any seed pods cut them off. It is best to leave the foliage as long as it is green. It provides energy to the bulb and roots. When the leaves turn yellow they can be cut back.
Since you intend for your bulbs to be a permanent planting, little care is needed during the summer months when the bulbs are actually dormant. The hardest thing for me in the summer is to not accidentally dig them up when planting annuals .
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| Notice the pollen covered bee in this tulip. |
Lifting Over Crowed Bulbs
As bulbs become overcrowded flowering will diminish. This is the time to lift the bulbs. Do this as the leaves begin to fade in early summer. Let the bulbs dry for a few days. Then remove the faded leaves. The bulbs can be stored in a warm dry place until fall planting time.
Winter Issues
Bulbs are planted deep enough that they have no problem with winter cold. If you live in an area with freezing and then thawing you may have problems with newly planted bulbs heaving. If this is the case an extra layer of mulch will help.
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