Tips for Planting Bulbs in the Western Garden

Bulb planting for the Western gardener, how to plant bulbs, bulb soil conditions and fertilizer, care of bulbs

Iris 'Immortality'
Item # 61018 		Iris 'Immortality'
Tall Bearded Iris

each $12.99
3 to 6 $12.79
7 or more $12.59
Tulip 'Jaap Groot'
Item # 96566 		Tulipa 'Jaap Groot'
Darwin Hybrid Tulip

per bag $12.99
2 to 3 bags $12.49
4 or more bags $11.99

New Darwin tulip, plant now and and Save 50% $6.49
Daffodil 'Jamestown'
Item # 39084 		Daffodil 'Jamestown'

per bag $12.99
2 to 3 bags $12.49
4 or more bags $11.99

Fall Plant for Spring color and Save 50% $6.49

© All articles are copyrighted by High Country Gardens. Republication is prohibited without Permission.

How Do You Plant Them?

Bulbs should be planted slightly deeper in the western garden. Smaller bulbs will need a relatively shallow hole, while the larger bulbs such as tulip, daffodil and ornamental allium do best planted at least 8-10” deep. If your soil is very shallow or rocky you can plant bulbs less deep, but they may not survive as long.

Most bulbs prefer a full sun exposure. Muscaria, alliums and some daffodils will tolerate part shade and bloom well. Keep in mind that deciduous trees that provide shade in the heat of summer will not be fully leafed out yet during bulb-blooming season.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions and Fertilizer?

A richer, well-drained soil (incorporating 4-6 inches of organic matter/compost/builders sand) is best. Bulbs require nutrients and in general terms, Nitrogen (N) produces lush green growth, Phosphorus (P) helps strengthen the stems and produce flowers, while Potassium (K) keeps the root system healthy. These elements work in conjunction with each other.

An excellent source of all three is found in Yum Yum Mix which is a premium blend of the finest organic ingredients especially formulated for our alkaline, nutrient-poor Western soils. It’s a good idea to mix a small amount (follow package directions) into the soil at the bottom of the hole before planting your bulbs.

How Else Should I Care for Them?

After planting add a top dressing of compost or other organic material and water in thoroughly. This will minimize loss of soil moisture and prevent ‘heaving’ with the freezing and thawing in spring. Winter in the western garden can be dry and windy with little moisture for long periods. Continue to water on a regular basis (every three weeks to a month) throughout the winter and add more mulch if necessary.

To protect your tulips and other bulbs from moles and gophers, apply ‘Chase Mole and Gopher Repellent after you plant. You can also use Deer Off, Bulb Guard or Repellex concentrate as a pre-planting deterrent by dipping your bulbs in any of these products for five minutes and then drying them off completely.

Do They Require Care When Sprouting and Blooming?

Continue to water through the spring. As your bulbs begin to poke out of the ground, vegetative growth will appear, buds form and open to colorful blossoms—by watering throughout this process you will insure longer lasting blooms. In spring, protect the tender new foliage from browsing deer, rabbits and squirrels with Deer-Off.

What Should I Do After They Have Bloomed?

Once your bulbs have bloomed, allow the bulb foliage to brown and fade naturally, since the leaves are feeding the bulb in the ground. Removal of foliage weakens the bulb and leads to fewer blooms the following year. Planting your bulbs amongst your perennials is one way to conceal the browning foliage, as the perennials begin to grow and fill out as the bulb foliage dies back. The perennials will then provide foliage and color on the garden from late spring through the summer and into fall. Additional top dressings of fertilizer and mulch every fall feed the soil and insure more and more of these beautiful spring bulb blooms year after year!