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Finding The Perfect Bulb
It just so happens in the land of bulbs, the bigger the
bulb the bigger the bloom. Cheaper smaller bulbs will bloom, but if big
blooms are what you desire stick with buying nice sized bulbs. When
purchasing bulbs online, or through mail order, look for the circumference
size of the bulbs offered. Compare sizes, quantity and cost to determine the
best buy. Bulbs bought directly from the grower are usually shipped to you
at the most ideal time for planting. Buying locally you should read the
package thoroughly to get an idea of planting time. If you are lucky enough
to find clearance bulbs late in the season plant them as soon as you can dig
in the soil. It might not be the perfect planting time but bulbs have a
better chance in the dirt than drying out in your basement.
Planting Time
Spring flowering bulbs need to be planted in the fall
four to six weeks before your zones first frost. Summer flowering bulbs
should be planted in late spring. Depending on your climate, most summer
bulbs will need to be dug up and stored over winter. For zones 6 and higher
mulch may be used as protection if there is a possibility of frost. Finally
all fall blooming bulbs can be planted in early summer.
Time to Dig a Bunch of Holes
When you purchase bulbs they usually come with very
detailed planting instructions and info about the bulb. Take note of depth
that each bulb should be buried and the height the plant will be. Small
flowering bulbs should be planted towards the front of the garden and the
larger to the rear. Also consider if you want to grow the bulbs as single
specimens or in showy clusters. Once your holes are dug to the appropriate
depths you can add little bone meal or bulb food to the hole, and then place
the bulb wispy roots down pointy side up. Cover your newly planted bulb with
soil, give it a little mulch and water.
When In Bloom
When your bulbs are in bloom there is little work to
do. Occasionally deadheading the old worn blossoms will help the bulb save
energy rather than setting seed. It is important that the bulb foliage is
able to die back naturally instead of being cut back because the foliage is
necessary to help feed the bulb. Adding bulbs to your landscape is a easy
way to add beauty that may come back year after year.
Advice contributed by 'Boo' |
