All About Bulbs
Planting Bulbs
Once you’ve planted your bulbs, don’t feed them. They don’t need it!
Growing Bulbs
Bulbs add color and life to your garden from early spring to late fall. Here’s a guide to growing bulbs successfully:
- Spring bulbs: Plant daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths in fall for blooms in spring.
- Summer bulbs: Plant alliums, irises, lilies, and gladioli in spring for blooms in summer.
- Autumn bulbs: Plant crocuses, colchicums, and nerines in summer for blooms in fall.
Bulb Care
- Watering: Water bulbs regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize bulbs once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Pests and diseases: Watch out for pests like aphids and diseases like bulb rot. Treat promptly if needed.
Propagating Bulbs
You can propagate bulbs by dividing clumps or growing them from seed.
- Dividing clumps: Divide clumps of bulbs every few years to keep them healthy and blooming well.
- Growing from seed: Growing bulbs from seed is a more challenging but rewarding process.
Unusual Bulbs
There are many unusual bulbs you can grow in your garden, such as:
- Fritillaria: Bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple, yellow, and green.
- Erythronium: Trout lilies with mottled leaves and nodding flowers.
- Narcissus cyclamineus: Smaller daffodils with swept-back petals.
Tips for Success
- Plant bulbs in well-drained soil.
- Choose a sunny spot for spring bulbs and a shady spot for summer bulbs.
- Plant bulbs at the right depth and spacing.
- Water bulbs regularly, especially during dry spells.