Bulb Planting Tips
When to plant. Dutch bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinth and crocus all need a cold period to bloom, so they are planted in the fall, usually in October. If you purchase your bulbs earlier store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator until ready to plant.
Where to plant. Most bulbs will require at least half a day of light, although some can tolerate a more shaded location. Good soil drainage is essential! Bulbs do not like soggy soil, so amend the planting area with compost and peat moss.
How to plant. You can either use a bulb planter or trowel to plant the bulbs individually or dig a larger area and plant several at a time. Plant the pointed end up (noses in the air), with the larger ones about 8 inches deep and smaller bulbs about 5 inches. After planting, water thoroughly and mulch the beds.
After they bloom. Bulbs continue to grow and store food for next year’s flowers through the summer. After blooming is complete cut off flower stalks and allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally. Do not cut back foliage! Without foliage the bulbs cannot gather enough food to make flowers for the next spring. Feed beds after blooming with a bulb booster fertilizer.
Where to plant. Most bulbs will require at least half a day of light, although some can tolerate a more shaded location. Good soil drainage is essential! Bulbs do not like soggy soil, so amend the planting area with compost and peat moss.
How to plant. You can either use a bulb planter or trowel to plant the bulbs individually or dig a larger area and plant several at a time. Plant the pointed end up (noses in the air), with the larger ones about 8 inches deep and smaller bulbs about 5 inches. After planting, water thoroughly and mulch the beds.
After they bloom. Bulbs continue to grow and store food for next year’s flowers through the summer. After blooming is complete cut off flower stalks and allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally. Do not cut back foliage! Without foliage the bulbs cannot gather enough food to make flowers for the next spring. Feed beds after blooming with a bulb booster fertilizer.