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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.
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