Growing Beautiful Bulbs

Bulbs can be purchased individually or as a set. When setting out bulbs, gardeners should choose plants that vary in color, height, and bloom time to insure a nice variety. Bulbs can be planted in early spring or in fall. There is a lot to know about planting and raising bulbs, but the reward is well worth the effort.

Planting Bulbs

When planting bulbs, gardeners should choose a bed that has well-drained, fertile soil. Prepare the bed by adding bone meal or a fertilizer specifically made for flower bulbs. Dig a hole 2 ½-times deeper than the bulb itself, and cover thoroughly with soil and mulch. The bed should be in a sunny location and bulbs should be arranged according to height. For example, taller flowers like gladiolas should be placed in the back of the border, while smaller plants such as daffodils should line the front. Gardeners should also take blooming time into account, so there will be a variety of flowers blooming at different times. Daffodils and crocus bloom in early spring, while irises bloom later in the season. Keeping these things in mind will insure an attractive flower garden.

Irises

There is not a prettier flower than the iris, and the variety available makes this bulb a must-have for any flower garden. Irises come in many varieties, from bearded to crested to beardless. Colors range from salmon and orange to deep purple to white and lavender. Irises need lots of sun, and should not be planted too deep; the top of the rhizome should be exposed. Irises multiply rapidly, and crowding can become a problem once the bed is established. Therefore, plants should be thinned and divided two to four weeks after blooming. Irises make gorgeous cut flowers and have a very sweet fragrance. These flowers make excellent back-border plants.

Daffodils, Tulips, and Hyacinths

Daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are excellent choices for front-of-the-border plants and bloom in early spring. Daffodils come in bright yellow, white, and orange, and often poke their heads out of the soil well before anything else is in bloom. Daffodils make beautiful cut flowers for bouquets. Tulips are another good choice; they come in many different colors. Tulips have beautifully-shaped petals and long, curvaceous leaves. They make excellent cut flowers, sometimes lasting for a week or longer. Hyacinths are some of the most fragrant flowers available, emitting a pleasant, perfume-like aroma throughout the garden. Hyacinths bloom in dense clusters, each flower having a small bell shape. These flowers come in many different colors, including white, purple, pink, peach, and lavender. When planning a bed of bulb flowers, consider daffodils, tulips, or hyacinths for early blooms and splashes of color.

Protecting Bulbs from Garden Pests

Squirrels and chipmunks can pose a real problem for growers of bulbs. These animals love to dig up and eat bulbs, and will do so if precautions are not taken. Natural solutions to this problem including sprinkling cayenne pepper around the bulbs, since the taste will deter pests, or spraying the area with hot sauce, which has the same effect. Garden supply stores sell animal repellents, which are also helpful. Another method is to plant daffodils throughout the bed, since rodents do not like the taste of them. Be sure to dig up and store bulbs in winter, so small animals will not eat them during cold months.

Growing flower bulbs can be a rewarding experience! If properly cared for, bulbs can be a good lifetime investment, lasting for many years. There is nothing quite like peering out the window after the long winter months and seeing a few daffodils making an appearance. Try planting bulbs throughout the garden for springtime beauty.