It's what you do in autumn that determines the success of many spring flowers.
While bulbs are essentially self-sufficient flower factories that only need humans for a bit of watering, believe it or not, the sweet-smelling, vibrantly coloured bulbs that appear in spring are rooted in a bit of autumn planning and preparation.
They benefit from spending a long period underground, which allows them to develop root systems before the ground freezes, thereby triggering the flowering process. The bulb lies dormant during the coldest months and will develop top growth in spring.
Properly preparing the soil for bulb planting is important. Good soil drainage is essential in raising bulbs.
If you have a soil with a high clay content, it can be improved by adding compost, peat moss or some other source of organic material. Sand or grit at the base of the planting hole improves drainage, on heavy, clay soils, and can deter some bulb-feeding pests.
The organic material should be worked in the top 30cms of soil (45cms is even better).
For bulbs use a low-nitrogen fertilizer or blood & bone, and apply a handful twice annually, once in Autumn and again in late Spring. Bulbs need phosphorous to encourage root development, but keep in mind that phosphorous moves very little once applied to the soil, so the phosphorus needs to be mixed in the soil below where the bulbs will be located so it can be utilised by the bulb roots.
Do not fertilize bulbs after they have started to flower.
The following tips will fill you in on what you need to do this autumn to have a blooming garden of colour next springtime.
- Climate determines the type of bulbs you plant and when you plant them.
- Not all bulbs have the same cold requirements, but purple crocuses, yellow daffodils, white or blue hyacinths and multicoloured tulips tend to be best bets for any region.
- Flower colour, its blooming months, height, months to plant and how deep to plant are other important points to consider, as they can influence the overall look of your garden and a bulb's successful growth.
So please note our small indicators that give you this information for each variety.
KEY:
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Symbol | = plant in full sun |
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Symbol | = plant in half |
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Arrow up | = height of bloom |
| Arrow down | = depth to plant | |
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Pink dot | = best in frost-free areas |
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Blue dot | = best in frosty areas |
- Always plant your bulbs on sharp sand whether growing in pots or in the garden.
- Use a suitable dry high potash fertiliser in your potting mix and when planting in the garden.
- Feed all of your bulbs at least once a year and especially after they have flowered.
- After bulbs have bloomed, allow the foliage to yellow completely before removing; this feeds the bulbs for increase & future blooms.