Flowering bulbs are one of the most wonderful ways to add splashes of tropical colors to your garden. A flower bulb is essentially a food storage locker for plants. Moreover, the bulb contains almost everything the plant requires to sprout and flower. Furthermore, flower bulbs can be classified into two categories:
Spring flowering bulbs: These flowers are winter hardy and need a frost and period of dormancy before they can bloom. These flowers can add a great beauty to your garden when few other plants are in flower during spring season. However, recognizing when and how to plant spring bulbs is indispensable for the finest displays. Some vital tips for planting spring bulbs are as follows:
- Start planting spring flowering bulbs in between October and December, prior to the coldest winter weather sets in
- Always choose healthy bulbs
- Positioning bulbs at their proper depth helps ensure their longevity
- Most of the bulbs should be planted at three times their depth. Moreover, check the planting directions that come with the bulbs
- Water the bulbs after planting to stimulate the roots to grow
- Always pick the right spot for planting these bulbs. Most bulbs do best in full sun and well-drained soil
- If the bulb has a pointed end, keep that side facing up while planting them
- Mix compost into your bulbs’ planting holes to ensure good blooming
- For natural effect, either dig a large area and plant bulk flower bulbs at once or simply dig holes and plant them wherever they fall.
- When the bulbs have completed blooming, cut down the flower stalks to ground level
- Some spring flower bulbs are: dahlias, gladiola, begonias, caladium, tuberose cannas, elephant ears, oxalis, pineapple lilies, tigridia, etc.
Summer bulbs: These bulbs are not winter hardy and usually fall into the category of tender bulbs that cannot grow in areas experiencing frosts. These bulbs are perfect for patio containers and add color to mixed borders without taking up much space. Some important tips for planting summer bulbs are as follows:
- Select dry bulbs when they’re as fresh as possible
- Choose healthy and bigger bulbs as they’ll produce bigger blooms
- Try to plant these bulbs soon after purchasing them
- These bulbs must be planted in spring, when the soil is starting out to heat up
- They are generally planted between March and June
- The ideal soil temperature to plant summer bulbs is usually 13°C.
- Summer bulbs generally need a warm and sunny position
- Free-draining soil is significant as bulbs are capable to decomposing
- Dig individual holes for each bulb or a trench for many bulbs
- Plant bulbs in the holes without pushing down hard
- Make sure the growing point is pointing upwards
- Most of the summer bulbs are ideal for growing in terrace containers, particularly tender variety
- Most summer bulbs are not hardy so require to be lifted before the first frost
- Some summer flower bulbs are: gladioli, calla lilies, dahlias, tuberous begonias, crocosmias, etc.
Hence, one can beautify their garden by growing beautiful flower bulbs. All the above mentioned tips can be very helpful in choosing and planting the right flower bulbs at right time in right atmosphere.
Author’s Bio: Ryan is a blogger also having keen interest in gardening. In the above post, he is providing some useful tips for growing bulk flower bulbs to enhance the beauty of a garden.