Ornamentals--What to Know About Bulbs
As fall approaches, flower gardeners often think about planting the usual favorites like tulips and daffodils. However, there are many other hardy bulb varieties to consider planting now for a vibrant spring show. Hardy bulbs require a chilling period, making fall the ideal time to plant for spring blooms.
If you're looking to add more variety to your garden, consider planting these hardy bulbs:
• Hyacinth: Known for its vibrant colors and strong fragrance.
• Allium: Produces large, globe-shaped flowers that add height and interest.
• Asiatic Lily: Offers bright, bold colors and is easy to grow.
• Crocus: One of the first to bloom, offering a burst of early spring color.
• Snowdrops: Delicate, white blooms that often signal the end of winter.
• Oriental Lily: Highly fragrant with large, showy blooms in mid-to-late summer.
Time to Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs
The window for planting spring-flowering bulbs is open from now through October. This gives bulbs enough time to establish roots before the winter chill sets in. Follow these guidelines to ensure your bulbs thrive:
• Location: Choose a spot with full sun to part shade. For best results, plant in sandy loam soil. If your soil is not ideal, amend it by adding compost to a depth of at least one foot to improve drainage and nutrient content. Proper drainage is key, as bulbs do not tolerate waterlogged soil. If unsure about soil fertility, consider conducting a soil test before adding fertilizer. The optimal soil pH for most bulbs is between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Planting Depth: Depth is determined by bulb size. For example, tulip and hyacinth bulbs should be planted about six inches deep, while larger daffodil bulbs should go six to eight inches deep. A general rule of thumb is to plant bulbs two to three times as deep as their width, measuring from the base of the bulb to the soil surface after planting.
• Spacing: Space larger bulbs about four to six inches apart and smaller bulbs one to two inches apart. For a striking spring display, consider mass plantings rather than spacing bulbs individually.
• Planting Process: After digging your holes, backfill them halfway with soil and water the area to help settle the soil. Fill the rest of the hole and water again. While you won’t see growth above ground during fall, the roots are actively growing. Keep the soil consistently moist until it freezes, and then apply a layer of mulch to insulate the bulbs and prevent them from being pushed out of the soil during freeze-thaw cycles.
By carefully planting and maintaining your bulbs
this fall, you’ll set the stage for a colorful and
rewarding spring garden display.