BULBS

Refers to bulbs, corms, tubers, and rhizomes

These are structures that contain an embryonic plant.

BULBS

In wooded areas

In rock gardens

With evergreen shrubs

As cut flowers

Uses of Bulbs in the Landscape

Hyacinths

Tulips

Daffodils

Flowers can be used as cut flowers, in rock gardens, and in wooded areas.

Flowers Grown from Bulbs

The effect most striking when landscaping with bulbs is massing, or planting in circular groups.

Landscaping

Bulbs planted in the fall give color to the landscape in the early spring.

Planting in Fall

Bulb production can be increased by the addition of well-rotted manure.

Organic Matter

Type of soilLoam

Well-drained

Add organic matter 3-4 in. thick; work into the soil.

If soil pH is below 6.0, add 10 lb. of ground limestone per 100 square feet.

Soil pH

Fertilize by digging a small amount of 5-10-5 fertilizer into the bottom of the bed.

Fertilizer should be covered with about 1” of soil.

DO NOT place the bulbs in direct contact with the fertilizer.

Fertilizer

As a general rule, bulbs should be spaced the same distance apart as their planting depth.

Spacing

Storage

Keep bulbs that are dug up at 50 degrees F.

To protect from insects, diseases, and rodents, dust bulbs with a pesticide.

Protection

Plant tuberous begonia, calla, gladiolus, dahlia, tigridia, montbretia, ismene, amaryllis, anemone, and ranunculus

Spring Planting

Plant muscarri, hyacinth, crocus, scilla, chionodoxa, colchicum, iris, lily, tulips, and daffodil.

Fall Planting

Bulbs flowering in the spring should be dug after the foliage turns yellow and dies back.

Daffodil, crocus, lily, and colchicum bulbs should be dug up every 3-5 years, thinned and replanted.

Care of Spring Flowers

Bulbs flowering during the summer should be dug after the first fall frost (ex. Dahlia, tuberous-toot begonia, calla, and gladiolus).

Care of Summer Flowering Bulbs

It takes 10 to 12 weeks for forcing a tulip to bloom.

You should use large bulbs

For root formation you should place potted bulbs in a cold frame.

Cold Treatment

Put bulbs in pots.

Store bulbs at 40-50 F. for 10-12 weeks.

Put pots in greenhouse at 60 F.

Keep pots moist.

Forcing Bulbs