Bulbs

How to Care for your Bulbs

The good news is that planting flower bulbs is fast, easy, and nearly foolproof. One reason bulbs are so beloved of both beginner and master gardeners is that, with so few issues to consider, gardeners can put all their effort into the fun part of gardening — design.

• When the bulbs arrive. Bulbs should be planted as soon as the ground is cool. In most parts of the country, this would be around the time of the first frosts, when evening temperatures average between 40° to 50° F. But you should plant at least six weeks before the ground freezes. You can, if necessary, store bulbs for a month or longer if you keep them in a cool dry place. When in doubt, however, the bulbs belong in the ground. They won't last till next season.
  
  
• Read the label. Keep the label together with the bulbs until planting. Without the label, you can't tell the red tulips from the white ones just by looking at the bulbs.
  
  
• Where to plant. You can plant bulbs just about anywhere in your garden — as long as the soil drains well. The Dutch say, "bulbs don't like wet feet." So, avoid areas where water collects, such as the bottom of hills. Bulbs also like sun. But the spring garden is very sunny — the leaves aren't on the trees yet. Get creative!
  
  
• Prepare the planting bed. Dig the soil so it's loose and workable. If it's not an established garden bed, chances are the soil could use the addition of some organic matter such as compost or peat moss. These are available at most local garden retailers.
  
  
• Bulb Soils: Good Drainage is absolutely essential! If you have clay soil, there are 3 different options. You can mix in an organic amendment such as compost, peatmoss etc. Another choice is to use a well sloped planting area or you could plant bulbs in a raised flowerbed. If you have soil with sand, add an organic amendment to increase water and nutrient holding capacity. The soil PH is also important! It should be between 6-7. 
  
  
• Plant the pointy end up. That's about all you need to know. It's easy to spot the pointy end of a tulip. It's tougher with a crocus. But in most cases, even if you don't get it right, the bulb flower will still find its way topside. Plant big bulbs about 8 inches deep and small bulbs about 5 inches.
  
  
• Fertilize? No fertilizer is necessary for the first year's bloom. Bulbs are natural storehouses of food. They don't need anything to flower the first year. For bulbs that are intended to naturalize or perennialize (return for several years) or for bulbs that are coming into their second year, spread an organic fertilizer such as compost or well-rotted cow manure, or a slow release bulb food on top of the soil.
  
  
• If you do fertilize, never mix fertilizer in the planting hole. It can burn the roots. Also don't follow the old adage of adding bone meal. Modern bone meal adds little nutritional value. It can also encourage pests and even dogs to dig up your bulbs looking for bones!
  
  
• Plant bulbs in clusters. Don't plant one bulb alone, or make a long thin line along the walk. Clusters give a concentration of color for greatest impact. Even if you don't have enough bulbs for a big bed, small clusters can make a super spring show.
  
  
• Plant low bulbs in front of high. This is a good general rule for bulbs that bloom at the same time. Of course there are times to break this rule. For example, if the low growing bulbs bloom early and the tall bulbs bloom late, plant the tall in front. Their display will camouflage the dying foliage of the smaller bulbs!
  
  
• Try a double-decker effect. You can plant small bulbs in a layer right on top of large bulbs. If you plant bulbs that flower in the same period you can create an interesting double-decker effect (picture bright pink tulips blooming above cobalt blue grape hyacinths). Or you can stagger the bloom time by planting mid- and late-season bloomers together, creating a spring display that blooms in succession, for a whole season of color! In the end, what you do with spring bulbs is limited only by your imagination.
  
  
• Covering and Watering the Bulbs: You should cover the bulbs first with one half of soil that was removed. After, you need to water thoroughly and then cover bulbs with the remainder of the soil. Next, water thoroughly again. In a very dry Fall, water area as needed to promote root growth.
  
  
• Winter Protection (during late Fall, before heavy frost): All beds should be covered with 2-3 inches of mulch (composted leaves, shredded bark). This minimizes temperature fluctuations and maintains optimal moisture levels. Do not use peat moss as a top mulch since it will form a hard crust and therefore prevent moisture to reach the bulbs. Hyacinth beds should be covered with an additional 5-8 inches of hay or straw (wood mulch ok if hay not available). This will prevent freezing in extremely cold winters.
  
  
• Early Spring: Before sprouting of Hyacinths (March/April), remove the hay or straw.
  
  
• A few hours one brisk autumn afternoon can yield months of colorful excitement in your yard or garden next spring.