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Fall Planting for Spring Bulbs |
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September and October are the best months for planting your spring bulbs. When you plant later you risk cold conditions with frozen ground, and the bulbs will not have as much time to establish their roots for spring. Some will set more roots in the spring but will bloom later because of it.
There are so many bulbs to choose from for springs color, including Hyacinth, a person favorite because of their wonderful fragrance, Ixia, Daffodils, Tulips and Crocus
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Tulips originally came from the mountain slopes of Turkey. They thrive in cold winter temperatures, wet springs and hot summers. We don't appear to be having really cold winters but our last couple of springs have been wet, and our summers hot, ideal for tulips. It is easy enough to water them thoroughly in early spring when they start to sprout to promote better growth and flowers. Tulips are some of the hardiest spring bulbs, often flowering as early as April. Mixed with other spring flowering bulbs, such as squills, glory of the snow or grape hyacinths, species tulips will be a lovely addition to your spring garden. There are so many wonderful varieties and colors to choose from that the hardest problem will be deciding which to plant.
Clustering the bulbs makes them look like they have been growing in the same garden location for years, so plant six or more 4-6 inches deep. Most bulbs do best in soil that drains well. If your soil drains poorly, add some course grit to the bed, particularly to the layer below the bulbs. After flowering an application of high phosphorous fertilizer or bone meal is a good idea. This will feed the bulb to produce large flowers for next year.
Crocuses are another favorite for spring blooming. They are one of the earliest flowers in the spring, often in bloom while snow still lies in patches on the ground. Plant these hardy bulbs in clusters also, for a more effective showing. I like to plant them in a flower bed near the entrance so I can enjoy them as I come and go from home.
Planting an extra bulb or two in a pot then submerging it in the garden to be lifted and brought in, in the spring works well also. Just lift it out of the garden a few weeks before you want your flowers, place in an out of the way spot like a corner window ledge or a sunny porch and let it sprout. You can get a nice jump on spring, or have some lovely bulbs flowering in the house for Easter.
Lindi Karmason for Lake Country Gardens |
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