Bulbs Flashcards
What are bulbs?
True bulbs -
Traditional bulbs. Round & pointed at the top with a flat base where the roots grow out. Eg. Daffodils, snowdrops, lilies.
Narcissus ‘Spring Dawn’
Lilium ‘ Mapira’
Galanthus Nivalis
Corms -
Similar to bulbs usually one or two buds at the top and roots that grow from the base. Eg. Crocuses & gladioli
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’
Crocus Large Flowered Mixed
Gladioli ‘Strong Gold’
Tubers -
Either swollen roots e.g dahlias or swollen stem bases eg. cyclamen
Bergonia ‘Picotee First love’
Cyclamen hederifolium
Dahlia ‘Melody Harmony’
Rhizomes -
Swollen stems that grow horizontally on or just below the surface. E.g. bearded Irises, lily of the valley, cannas
Iris ‘Califlora Innocent star’
Convallaria majalis var. rosea
Canna ‘Durban’
Choosing healthy bulbs
Bulbs should be fresh & not dehydrated.
Firm and good size ( tiny or dehydrated may not flower in the first year and some may die)
Some bulbs are better bought ‘in the green’ as growing plants e.g. Snowdrops & cyclamen (more expensive)
Even colour (no stripes or blotches)
No premature leaf growth.
Outer skin should be intact - stops them drying out
Avoid any that smell - sign of decay
When to plant
Spring flowering bulbs -
Late September to December
Daffodils, hyacinths, crocus September/October
Tulips November - this prevents the spread of disease of Tulip blight. Tulips do not do well in subsequent years as they tend to split into smaller bulblets (like garlic)
Summer flowering bulbs -
Once planted many bulbs are perennial and will come up year after year if maintained well.
There are some bulbs that can be used as seasonal bedding such as dahlias which need to be lifted and protected.
Planting depths
Most bulbs need to be planted 2-3 times their own depth
Tulips need 4 times their own depth
Rhizomes tend to be shallow planted
If the bulb fails to flower then try planting deeper (stops bulbs splitting in to smaller offsets and can encourage growth (flowering)
Space 2-3 bulbs width apart
Bluebells have specially adapted roots to help the bulb find their own level.
How to plant bulbs in a border
Check bulb health - firm & dry. No mould pest or disease
Check soil texture & structure. Well drained!
Add grit sand to hole and sit bulb on top of sand.
Fertiliser such as growmore can be added to provide nutrients
Burried 2- 3 times their height so smaller bulbs will be shallower. Check planting info as bulbs such as dahlia prefer crown slightly above ground.
Once packed in the hole - right way up - soil should be placed above then gently firmed.
Water before or after planting or in the bottom of the planting hole.
Mulch using e.g gardeb compost to a depth of 5-7cm
Bulbs can be laid out in a regular pattern such as bedding schemes or in drifts to appear more natural.
Bulbs for borders
Iris germanica
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’
Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
Narcissus ‘Tete a Tete’
Galanthus nivalis
Lilium ‘Apollo’
Planting a Bulb Container
• Most can be grown in pots as long as it is big enough
• Drainage required (roots may rot) – crocks at bottom
if terracotta or grit in the mix if plastic
• When flowering is finished they can be moved out of sight
• Must be enough depth for root growth – reduces watering needs
• Growing tips up
• Soil-based compost – retains moisture & nutrients for
longer
• Planting depths as normal
• Cover surface with grit – soil splash & evaporation
• Label if required
Bulbs for containers
Muscari armeniacum
Crocus vernus
Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Yellow Queen’
Tulipa ‘Prinses Irene’ Anenome blanda
Where can bulbs be naturalised
• Lawn e.g. Narcissus pseudonarcissus • Meadow e.g. Fritillaria meleagris
• Rock Garden e.g. Scilla siberica
• Woodland/Under trees e.g. Cyclamen hederifolium
Bulbs for naturalising
Galanthus nivalis
Crocus ‘Vanguard’ Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Routine Maintenance
• Deadheading spent flowers by cutting them off with secateurs
• Weeding containers by hand to avoid damage to the plants
• When leaves start to decay stop watering – need a dry period in the summer
• Watering the bulbs in dry weather by giving them a thorough soaking
• Liquid feeding the bulbs in dry weather by including a dilute solution in the irrigation water or watering can
• Feed after flowering – liquid feed high in potash (tomato feed) – prolongs the above time of the bulb, encourages larger bulbs
• Supporting tall types such a Lilium
• Mulching – best when bulbs are resting. Can be added at other times if the soil is moist.
• Tidying - Cut back foliage once it turns yellow
• Checking regularly for pests and diseases
• Propagating- Seed, Division, Offsets, Bulbils
• Lifting to move or store
• Lifting In the green – If plants need moving while they are still green take a clump of soil with them and replant immediately.
• Storing bulbs for the next year
