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Carol's Gardening Page
Carol's Gardening Page
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ABCs Of Bulb
Gardening Flowering plants that overwinter
and multiply by means on fleshy stems of leaves are called
bulbs. The bulbs we grow in our gardens today are native to
temperate zones all over the world, the woodlands, meadows and
mountains of the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North
America. The Dutch have been extremely successful over the
centuries in collection and hybridizing new species of bulbs
and improving them for reliable garden performance.
Tulips
in particular, once played an
important role in the Dutch economy.
There is no easier plant to cultivate
than a bulb. Planted at the right time, in a loose,
well-draining soil, bulbs will bloom punctually year after
year and even spread (“naturalize”) if conditions are to their
liking. By planting a sequence of spring-,
summer- and fall-flowering bulbs at the appropriate time, you
can enjoy their blooms practically year
‘round. Fall (late
September through late November) – Plant hardy,
spring-flowering bulbs: tulips, narcissus (includes all types of daffodils), crocus,
eranthis (winter aconites),
erythronium, fritillaria, hyacinths snowdrops,
scilla, hardy cyclamen, lilies. In
California and milder areas of the Southwest, also plant
ranunculus,
freesias, anemones
and paperwhites outdoors. Store tulips, crocus and hyacinths
in refrigerator for 6-8 weeks before
planting. In all regions, store potted bulbs in refrigerator
for forcing indoors. Winter – In
California, plant prechilled- hardy bulbs outdoors. In all
regions, remove sprouted bulbs from refrigerator for indoor
forcing. Spring – Plant
more tender, summer-flowering bulbs: achimenes, gladioli,
alliums,
calla lilies, tuberous begonias, ixia, crocosmia, dahlias, cannas. Late Summer –
Plant the late bloomers: fall crocus,
fall- and winter-blooming hardy
cyclamen. Click here to browse bloomingbulb.com for #1
quality plants and
bulbs.
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