It’s Bulb Planting Time!

Bulbs can be planted from early September to late November or until the soil freezes.

Wild Stripes Tulip Duet
Item # C0144 		Wild Stripes Tulip Duet

per bag $18.99
2 or more bags $18.49

50% off! $9.49
Bahco Bulb Planter
Item # 99814 		Bahco Bulb Planter

each $12.95
  • Topics: Bulbs, Planting Techniques
  • Author: Cindy Bellinger
  • Keywords: bulbs, planting bulbs, Bulbs
  • Date: September 2005

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For way too long, I lived on the run—in cities, in the country, on the plains, by the sea. But always I yearned to stay in one place long enough to plant bulbs in the fall and be around to watch them come up in the spring.

I’ve been planting bulbs now for eight years; and it never ceases to amaze me how they pop up so full of themselves through the snow! If you want muscari, daffodils, alliums and tulips next spring, follow these tips:

Soil and Site Requirements

Use a rich, well-drained soil that incorporates 4 to 6 inches of organic matter or compost.

When choosing a site, keep in mind that most bulbs prefer full sun exposure. However, muscaria, alliums and some daffodils tolerate partial shade.

When to Plant

Bulbs can be planted from early September to late November or until the soil freezes. However, feeder roots must grow before freezing weather arrives to ensure healthy blooms in the spring. A good rule of thumb is to plant them about six weeks before the ground is frozen in your area.

How to Plant

Either use a trowel or bulb planter. Tulips, daffodils and ornamental alliums do best planted at least 8”-10” deep. Before placing bulbs in hole, add a small amount of bone meal or granular fertilizer. Cover bulb completely with soil.

How to Water

After planting, add a top dressing of compost or other organic material and water in thoroughly. Then water on a regular basis (every three weeks to a month) throughout the winter; and add more mulch if necessary.

Care After Blooming

Allow foliage to brown and fade naturally. Because the leaves continue feeding the bulb in the ground, removal of green foliage after blooming weakens the bulb and leads to fewer blooms the following year.

Bulbs have to be the simplest flowers to maintain. They seem to love being left alone and not fussed over too much. After a few years, it’ll be time to divide them because they’ve grown so much. I know this. I’ve been delighting in bulbs for years now.

Timber Press has two good books about bulbs:

  • “Gardening with Bulbs” by Patrick Taylor
  • “Timber Press Pocket Guide to Bulbs” by John E. Bryan

To order call 1-800-327-5680 or go to http://www.timberpress.com/books