YOUR GARDEN READY BULBS
Hardy bulbs or tall bulbs are those which
will successfully survive severe winter cold,
staying in the ground all winter. They are
usually given the same sort of treatment as
perennial plants. Crocuses, daffodils, tulips
and hyacinths are some familiar fall bulbs.
DESIGN YOUR GARDEN
Take time to plan your garden and remember
that the bulbs will have the most dramatic
visual impact when planted in groups or
waves. For smaller plantings, use groups
of odd numbers (5-7-9, etc.). Another less
formal method is to simply take a number
of the bulbs in hand and toss them over your
shoulder. This 'natural' approach is ideal for
narcissus and the smaller bulbs including
crocus, snowdrops, aconite, grape hyacinths,
and squill. Plant your bulbs with the proper
orientation. The top of the bulb should face
skyward. On most bulbs and corms there is
a distinctive "ring" on the bottom. Refer to
the planting chart for guidance.
(Click on chart to view larger size.)
WHERE TO PLANT
Bulbs are largely undemanding plants
and most adapt well to diverse conditions.
One cardinal rule should be
observed: plant them in soil that is welldrained.
Check the proposed planting
site for standing water after a rainfall. If
you must plant where soil is known to
remain wet, raise the soil level in the
bed by 6-12" above the surrounding
soil.
Most bulbs thrive in full sun but will
tolerate partial shade if they receive 5-6
hours of light each day.
- Take the time to properly prepare the planting site. This is especially important in areas of new construction or new gardens.
- Bulbs thrive in well-drained soils. Ideally, the soil should be tilled or worked to a depth of 10-12". When planting smaller bulbs such as crocus and snowdrops, a depth of 6-8" is suitable.
- Till or turn the soil in the area where you will plant; rake and remove any debris.
- Add Holland Bulb Booster, bone meal, or super triple phosphate. (Always read the package label and follow the directions.)
- If this is a new garden, you should spread a 2-3" layer of organic matter (leaf mold, compost or well-rotted manure) over the planting area.
- Till or turn the soil a second time.
- Remove any debris and lightly rake the area to prepare for planting.
PLANTING
The general rule of thumb is to plant fall
bulbs at a depth equal to three (3) times the
diameter of the bulb. If a bulb is 1" across,
you will plant it 3" deep.
- Heavy/clay soils or areas with high water tables, plant slightly more shallow or raise the soil level of the area by a minimum of 6".
- If soil is light or sandy, plant slightly deeper.
- Place your bulbs and check to be sure that the top of the bulb is facing skyward.
- Arrange the bulbs at the proper spacing and depth.
- Cover with soil, tamp lightly and water thoroughly.
- A light mulch layer of 1-2" may be added in landscape beds (not needed in grassy or woodland plantings).
