Bulbs 101

 Is this your first time planting bulbs? Or maybe it’s just been a while since you’ve had a tulip in your life. Whatever the reason, read on to be refreshed on the basics of these surprisingly simple beauties.

Q: What are bulbs and why are they important?

A: A flower bulb is an underground storehouse and flower factory, containing everything the plant will need to sprout and flower in its first bloom season. But don’t let the idea of planting intimidate you—all the bulb needs from you is to be placed in the ground at the right time of year, some water to quench its thirst and a little time to grow.

Q: I know about tulips, but what other flowers come from bulbs?

A: Bulbs are the storehouse for many flowering beauties including crocus, daffodils, dahlias, lilies, freesia, gladiolas, hyacinths, iris, narcissus and more.

Q: How do you know when to plant bulbs?

A: The flower bulbs should be planted as soon as possible after you have purchased them, although it can vary depending on local climate. Here’s a good rule of thumb: the colder the climate, the earlier you should plant. Regardless, spring-flowering bulbs must be planted before the first hard frost of the preceding fall to allow for sufficient root development. For more information, go to DigDropDone.com.

Q: Where can I buy them?

A: A number of retail outlets, both on- and offline, offer great bulb selections. The most popular include large retailers, home improvement stores and local nurseries. You can also buy them from garden centers, mail-order catalogs, supermarkets, specialty stores and the internet.

Q: What other basics do I need to know about bulbs?

A: Look on the package for flower color, planting month, blooming months, projected growth and depth for planting. If you are interested in additional planting tips, family activities with bulbs, deeper information on bulb varieties or a gallery of inspiration, go to DigDropDone.com.

Basic Bulb Facts

Bulbs:

Bulbs are a natural product. And, as such, follow a natural cycle of growth and rebirth. Enjoying their fabulous flowers means planting ahead; simply “dig, drop, done” in one season then “delight” in the next. Bulbs are among the easiest flowers to grow and also the most stunningly colorful to enjoy. Even the most novice gardener can create a breathtakingly beautiful spring, summer and fall garden with bulbs.

What’s a Bulb?

A flower bulb is really a self-contained flower factory. Within this marvelous little package is nearly everything the flower needs to come to life! Split a tulip open, for instance, and you’ll see its baby flower bud, leaves, roots, stem and food supply. All bulbs need from you is to be placed in the ground at the appropriate season of the year, given a liberal drink of water then left to work their magic.

Variety

Flower bulbs come in a seemingly limitless variety which makes them perfectly suitable for any garden design you can dream up. Planting just a few can easily provide beautiful color in your garden for several months. Daffodils are the first sign of spring and dahlias will bloom until frost hits the pumpkins.
The three most important factors to keep in mind are color, of course, but also plant height and flowering period.

In general, there are two seasons for bulb planting:

Bulb planting times…

Fall

After soil temperatures are below 50ºF/10ºC. These bulbs bloom the following spring and require the cold winter temperatures for development. But let’s say winter arrives and your bulbs are still in their bag. Not to worry! Bulbs are pre-programmed to grow so even if you have to plant through snow, plant your bulbs! 

Spring

After the danger of frost has passed (tender bulbs love soil that is at least 60ºF/15ºC). These bulbs bloom in summer/fall.

Buying and Planting Tips

The bigger the bulb, the bigger the flower.
Plan ahead. Make a list and include pictures from catalogs or magazines.
Consider your climate. Choose bulbs suited to grow and bloom in your area.
Read labels. Pre-packaged Dutch bulbs include planting instructions on their labels.
Inspect the bulbs. Healthy bulbs are generally firm bulbs.

Most bulbs thrive in either full or partial sun and in almost any location with good drainage. Avoid planting at the base of hills or under drainpipes where water collects and will rot the bulbs.

1. Good soil preparation is the very first step. Make sure it is loose and porous to make the planting easier (and because good drainage is necessary for all types of bulbs). Adding peat moss to the soil is a good trick to improve drainage.The planting depth of bulbs depends on their size: a good rule of thumb is that the depth should be 3x the diameter of the bulb. However, planting depths vary by variety. For more specific planting depths, check the label on your bulb package.

   The spacing of the bulbs depends largely on the effect you are trying to achieve. For best results plant in clumps of large groups rather than in single rows.

2. After loosening the soil gently press the bulbs (with pointed ends up) in the bed, cover them with the removed soil and tap it down slightly.
3. Water thoroughly.

It’s as easy as “dig, drop, done.”

Additional Tips for First Time Bulb Planters:

• A larger grouping of flower bulbs are far more fab than just a few planted here and there. For smaller groupings, try container plantings using pots, baskets or window boxes.
• Freezing temperatures can crack terra cotta pots and ornamental planters. By first planting bulbs in plastic pots then placing the plastic pot inside the earthen one, you’ll create a natural insulation between the two.
• Lay out your bulbs on top of the soil where you want to plant them. After, poke a twig into the soil to mark where you’ve already planted.
• Plant markers can be pretty and practical ways to mark sections of similar bulbs. Buy wood, galvanized steel or terra cotta markers or make your own!
• For a natural look throw out handfuls of bulbs and plant them where they fall.
• Plant low-growing bulb varieties up front and taller ones at the back of your beds.
• Note the flowering times. Not all tulips, for instance, will bloom at the same time. A little planning will greatly increase the number of months you will enjoy bulb flowers.
• When your leaves drop in fall, rake a layer of them over newly-planted bulbs. They’ll love the extra bedding!

Bulb Tip from Marcy

Why bag your leaves in the fall when you can rake a layer of them over newly-planted bulbs. Wait ’til the ground cools and they’ll love the extra protection.