Gardening with Bulbs

 Bulbous plants occur worldwide in a wide range of habitats from meadows and woodland to mountains and streamsides. Bulbs are valued mainly for the beauty of their flowers,which can be relied upon for a wonderful colorful displays in any garden,including containers, provided you buy them from a reputable source. Many will continue to flower for years with just a small amount of attention given, however;others may split into smaller bulbs which will require division every couple of seasons in order to give them the space to grow but once done the display will be more impressive then ever.

Buying:

 For best quality, pick large bulbs – the more mature the bulb, the larger the flowers – and plant them as soon as possible. When putting it off for a few days,store your bulbs in a dry, dark and cool place between 50° and 60°F (10° and 15°C).

Remember to plant more:

 Most gardeners simply don’t plant enough bulbs to make an impact. In fall when the garden is still full of foliage from summer’s perennials, it’s hard to remember how stark the beds can look in early spring.

Where To Grow:

Interesting contrasts can be achieved by adding bulbs with other plants. Small bulbs are ideal for growing among rock plants. Those with larger leaves such as lilies are good for infilling or naturalizing in a mixed or shrub border. Plant bulbs originating from Mediterranean climates in sites where they will receive maximum sun. Bulbs from dry summer habitats may rot if subjected to summer rainfall, therefore; they are best grown in a raised bed to provide sharp drainage. Bulbs native to woodland habitats such as cyclamen or snowdrops and many lilies will thrive in the light shade of trees or large shrubs. Small rare bulbs are best grown in a alpine house or cold greenhouse. Some bulbs including daffodils and crocuses can be planted in quantity in grass and left to naturalize. Bulbs are excellent for providing a display in window boxes or containers on a patio. Plant species with different flowering times to extend the show.

Bulb Cultivation:

*Spring-flowering bulbs thrive in full or partial sun. Good drainage is important for most bulbs, so avoid placing them in soggy/wet areas and in low-lying parts of the garden.

*Improve the texture of heavy wet soil by digging in grit,course sand and organic matter. On poor soil add a balanced fertilizer upon planting. Supplement very light soil with decomposed organic matter to assist moisture retention.

*After choosing the site, dig a hole or trench large enough for several bulbs. Bulbs are the most effective when planted in bunches. In small gardens, groupings of 5 to 10 are effective; in large gardens, use groups of 10 to 20.

*Bulb size dictates how deep to plant. As a rule, plant large bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and ornamental onions (alliums) about 8 to 12 inches deep, and set smaller bulbs such as crocus and snowdrops 5 to 6 inches deep.

*Space large bulbs 5 to 6 inches apart and small ones 2 to 3 inches apart. If you’re confused about which end is up just place them sideways, they will right themselves.

*Cover bulbs with soil. Water generously. Later, when the ground cools you can apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch to the surface, such as compost, well-rotted manure, shredded bark or chopped up leaves. This helps to prevent soil from drying out and to help keep temperatures stable through the winter.

*In frost prone areas, plant summer flowering,half hardy and frost tender bulbs in late spring.Lift them in autumn and store them in frost free environment.

*Water freely when in flower.

Care after bloom:

*After the bulb flowers have faded, “dead-head” the plants by removing faded blooms so that they won’t waste energy producing seeds.

*Leave bulb foliage in place to allow the plant to recharge” itself for next spring’s performance. This takes a lot of restraint as floppy tulip leaves look horrible but just remember you helping the plant.

*Once bulb leaves yellow and wither, which takes about six weeks – cut them off. Planting bulbs between perennials helps to camouflage ripening foliage.

Propagation:

 Bulbous plants can be raised from seed but may take up to several years to bloom. In true bulbs like tulips or daffodils, scales or the offsets that form on mature bulbs can be removed for propagation. Plants such as lilies for bulbils in the flower heads and stem and leaf axils. Other plants produce bulbils at the stem bases. Place offsets bulbils, and bulblets in trays of loam based compost;when rooted grow them on in deep boxes of moist compost in a cold frame.

Bulbs I Recommend

Alluim “Chives”

Good for herbaceous border. Can be cut for indoor decoration. Height:45 cm. Spread:30 cm

Anemone:

Usually ideal for the rock garden and adds both life and color in late spring. Height:10-15 cm Spread:8-12 cm

Chionodoxa luciliae:

Very easy to grow, these spring bulbs multiply readily. Goes well with other low growing plants. Height:10 cm Spread:8 cm

Crinum x powellii:

A late flowering bulb for late summer and early fall. Requires warm sheltered position. Height:60-90 cm Spread:45-60 cm

Crocus:

There are some lovely different varieties to choose from. Great for borders. Height:5-10 cm Spread:3-5 cm

Cyclamen coum:

Very hardy, flowering in mid and late winter. Foliage has silvery markings. Height: 4 cm Spread:15 cm

Galanthus nivalis:

Snowdrops need no introduction. There are numerous varieties,some with larger flowers and some doubles. Best to left undisturbed to form clumps. Height:10 cm Spread:8 cm

Gladiolus:

Very popular cut flowers but they are useful for border plants especially the small-flowered varieties. Height:1-1.2 m Spread 23-30 cm

Muscari armeniacum:

Grape hyacinths are invaluable spring flowering bulbs.They make attractive spring flowering edgings and suit rock gardens. Height: 23 cm Spread:15 cm

Hyacinthus:

This is the common hyacinth popular for excellent outdoor displays. Height:23 cm Spread:10 cm

Narcissus (Daffodil):

There are hundreds of varieties of daffodils and they are very attractive spring flowers in any garden. Height 30-45 cm Spread: 30 cm

Scilla sibirca:

An easy to grow spring-flowering bulb suitable for rock gardens or in clumps at the front of a border. Height:15 cm Spread:10 cm

Tulip

There is an extensive list of varieties for this lovely spring flower, some large, some small but all highly recommended.
Height:45-60 cm Spread: 23 cm

Most of the plants mentioned are perennials,for extented growing information visit: 

How To Grow And Care For Perennials

Preparation For Perennials In The Spring

How To Start Seeds

Other Links Of Interest

How To Utilize Space For A Small Garden

Popular Garden Plants and Their Meanings

Gardening With Long Term Herbs

Copyright © 2008 Tanya Kime-Wallace