When gardeners say the word bulb, it can mean several things.
In horticultural terms, these plant parts refer to the underground food
and water-storage organs of certain plant species that are valued for their
flowers.
When selecting bulbs, consider several factors before you buy. It's
critical to know the time bulbs will flower. Along the Front Range, the
exact date depends on the weather, amount of precipitation, the elevation
at which bulbs are planted, and planting depth. These variables affect
flowering time in your garden, which might be different than what the label
indicates. To avoid disappointment, select various bulbs with a variety
of flowering times to lengthen the bloom period in your garden. Generally
speaking, crocus, snowdrops, species tulips, dwarf iris and Siberian squill
are very early, reliable bloomers. Early to late-spring bloomers include
most varieties of grape hyacinths, tulips, daffodils, fritillaria and common
hyacinths. Late spring to early summer bloomers include alliums, bearded
iris, and Dutch iris. Careful planning can lead to an outstanding bloom
display from early March through early June.
Plant bulbs deeper than seed, usually three to four times the diameter
of the bulb. Bulbs prefer a sandy or clay loam soil, but be sure to plant
bulbs two inches deeper in sandy soil.
Do some research on the required growing conditions before you make
a purchase, especially when planting in wet soils, very dry soils, or shady
areas. For successful flowering, be sure to chose the best plant for the
site.
Finally, check the size and condition of the bulb. Always select the
largest bulbs of each variety, because there is a direct correlation between
bulb and flower size. The damaged and deteriorated bulbs found on clearance
racks are not a bargain. A bulb should be plump, firm and heavy for its
size. Avoid bulbs that show evidence of mold, scars, cuts, soft spots or
blemishes, or appear withered or dried out. Two exceptions to this rule
are anemone and ranunculus, which naturally look totally shriveled and
shrunken.
After selecting your bulbs, plant them as soon as possible. If you must
postpone planting, store bulbs loosely in paper bags in the refrigerator.
Be sure to keep them in a separate bin from fruits and vegetables so they
won't be damaged by the ethylene gas of ripening fruit.
See also:
Bulbs: alliums
Bulbs: bed preparation
Bulbs: colchicum
Bulbs: fall flowering crocus
Bulbs: fertilizing
Bulbs: maintaining
Bulbs: spring flowering
Bulbs: summer flowering
