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No other types of plants will give the gardener more beauty, or a wider range of variety, color and flowering times than flowering bulbs. They will produce flowers of incredible colors from one end of the growing season to the other. Nothing else will reward you with so much pleasure for so little effort.
See the USDA Hardiness Zone Map for more information.
Fall planted, spring flowering bulbs are usually hardy and can remain in the ground undisturbed for years.
Spring planted, summer flowering bulbs are usually non-hardy or tender and will need to be dug up and stored before winter.
Bulbs require well-draining soil, if they are left in moist conditions they will rot. Organic matter or peat moss should be added to soil, and will promote good root development.
A bulb nutrient such as Bulb Booster can be added and mixed into the soil, but be careful not to sprinkle directly onto bulbs, this can burn them bulbs.
The depth of planting for bulbs depends on their size. A good rule of thumb is that the depth should be three times the diameter of the bulb. See individual listings for specifics.
The spacing of bulbs depends largely on the effect you are trying to achieve. The most effective planting technique is to plant most bulbs in clumps in odd numbers (3,5,7) rather than in individual lines. Space bulbs according to color with the softer colors in the front and the more vibrant in the background. Group bulbs according to height and in sequential bloom pattern for a long lasting show of color.
After planting, cover bulbs with soil, water well, and mulch with shredded leaves. In the spring when the first shoots appear, remove the mulch, sprinkle again with bulb food (Bulb Booster). This will encourage the flowering and also help recharge the bulb for the next year. If the weather is dry, water the bulbs during their growing period.
After flower blooms, cut off flower stalk and allow leaves to store energy strictly to roots for next season’s blooms. Do not allow flowers to create a seed pod, this will take much needed energy away from the bulb for flower production for next year.
To store summer flowering bulbs, dig the bulbs when the foliage has withered or turned brown by a light frost. Air dry in a well-ventilated area for a week. Then remove all soil from the bulbs. Bulbs must be dried before storing or they will rot. Dust the bulbs with a fungicide and store in dry peat moss or wood shavings in a brown paper bag, open crate, netted bag or even old pantyhose. Store most bulbs and bareroot perennials at 35-45 degrees F in a dry location until time to replant. Just do not let them freeze.
Dig out the soil to proper depth. A shovel is quicker and easier than a trowel.
Loosen the soil and add fertilizer. If soil is sandy, mix with peat moss or leaf compost. For clay-based soil, add sand or peat moss.
Place bulbs firmly in soil, pointed end up. Plant bulbs in clusters, 12 or more to produce the best effect.
Cover the bulbs with soil, water well. Add two or three inches of mulch in cold areas.