BULBS - DIVIDING
Certain bulbs need dividing or separating in order to maintain a healthy,
flowering stand. Crowded bulbs are less likely to produce a high quantity
and quality flowers. When flower number and size starts to diminish, consider
separating the bulbs and replant.
Bulbs planted at recommended depths initially require less dividing
and resetting.
Spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinthsshould
be divided in September or October. Granted, it is difficult to determine
the location of the bulbs without staking or mapping them out previously.
Care should be taken when digging to prevent damage to bulbs. It usually
is easier to dig a large area and separate bulbs then trying to dig individual
bulbs separately.
If bulbs are planted among trees, shrubs or perennials consider replacing
the bulbs every three to five years instead of separating. This minimizes
damage to the root system of the nearby plants.
Summer flowering bulbs can be divided in early April or late fall.
Some bulbs, including Surprise Lilies (Lycoris) may not appear to need
dividing. However, plants will produce more flowers if divided.
When dividing or separating bulbs, carefully remove side bulbs from
the main bulb. Replant at correct spacings.
The following table provides a guideline for dividing bulbs.
Bulb Years to Divide
Tulips 3 - 5
Daffodils 3 - 6
Hyacinths 2 - 3
Lilies 4 - 6
Surprise Lily (Lycoris) 3 - 5
Iris (Bulbous types) 3 - 6
Alliums 4 - 8
Crocus seldom needed
Grape Hyacinths (Muscari) seldom needed
BULBS - MOVING
Spring bulbs should be moved in the fall. Mark the plants in the spring
for fall digging.
Remove as much soil as possible, but avoid removing the "skin" or dried
layer surrounding each bulb.
If bulbs must be moved earlier in the year, remove as much soil as possible,
store in a cool location or refrigerator until fall planting.
BULBS - UNPLANTED
Fall bulbs left unplanted may be planted the following spring. However,
the chances that bulbs will bloom that spring are next to zero.
Make sure the bulbs are planted in a well-drained, loose soil. Bulbs
that grow and produce foliage should be allowed to grow as long as possible.
Plants can be lightly fertilized with a water-soluble fertilizer. Remove
foliage when it turns yellow.
Bulbs that fail to produce foliage after planting in the spring will
probably rot during the year and should be replaced in the fall.
Unplanted bulbs should be stored in a cool, dry location for best survival
rate. Bulbs should be firm and solid the following spring; if not, don't
waste your time planting them.
Please read the Copyright
Information.
See also:
Bulbs: alliums
Bulbs: bed preparation
Bulbs: colchicum
Bulbs: fall flowering crocus
Bulbs: fertilizing
Bulbs: selecting
Bulbs: spring flowering
Bulbs: summer flowering
Bulbs: dividing
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