Last year I focussed mainly on planting and maintaining our vegetable garden. Because of the lack of color and beauty in the front garden, I decided to order a bunch of bulb flowers. After all, I live in the Netherlands and we are known for our tulips! Bulb flowers are loved for their stunning and vibrant blooms. Every spring when there is still a little crisp in the air they pop up everywhere! This always marks the beginning of the better half of the year (in my opinion at least) and is a great way to attract pollinators to your vegetable garden.
In this beginner’s guide, I’ll explain what kind of bulb flowers there are, how to plant them, and how to take care of them during and after the gardening season.
What are bulb flowers?
Before we dive into the specifics of growing bulb flowers, let’s understand what flower bulbs are. Flower bulbs are a type of underground storage structure that contains the plant’s necessary nutrients and protection. Because these plants have a bulb full of nutrients they are low maintenance and an easy go-to flower for the gardener that wants pretty flowers but not much work on them.
There are two main categories of flower bulbs: true bulbs and tuberous roots.
- True Bulbs: True bulbs consist of layers of fleshy scales, similar to an onion. Examples include tulip bulbs and daffodil bulbs.
- Tuberous Roots: Tuberous roots, on the other hand, are thickened, underground stems that store nutrients. Plants like begonias and dahlias grow from tuberous roots. Vegetables grown out of tuberous roots are sweet potatoes, ginger, and cassava.
Choosing the right bulbs
The first step in growing beautiful bulb flowers is selecting the right bulbs for your garden. The best results are gained when you mix your bulbs according to the blooming period, color, and height of the flowers. This will result in a colorful garden from spring to late fall when the first frost arrives.
To make an informed decision, consider the following factors:
- Hardiness: Ensure the bulbs you choose are suitable for your climate. Some bulbs thrive in cold winters, while others are more suitable for warmer regions.
- Bloom time: Different bulbs bloom at different times of the year. Spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils bring early-season color, while summer-flowering bulbs like lilies and gladiolus dazzle in late spring and summer.
- Size: Bulbs come in various sizes, from small bulbs like crocuses to large bulbs like daffodils. Plan your garden layout accordingly.
When to plant bulbs
This year I planted only bulbs that will flower in the spring. These bulbs should be planted in the fall right before the ground freezes. If I don’t forget I will plant some bulbs that will flower in the summer as well. Bulbs that will bloom in the summer are planted right after the last frost, this will be in mid-spring. So the best time to plant flower bulbs depends on the type of bulb and your local climate. As a general rule of thumb:
- Spring-Flowering bulbs: These bulbs are also called fall-planted bulbs or fall bulbs. Plant these bulbs in the fall, before the ground freezes. This allows them to establish roots before winter.
- Summer-Flowering bulbs: These bulbs are also called summer bulbs or summer-blooming bulbs Plant these bulbs in the spring after the last frost, ensuring a long growing season.
Preparing the planting area
Creating the right environment for your bulb flowers is crucial. Follow these steps to prepare the planting area:
- Soil preparation: Bulbs thrive in well-drained soil with good organic matter. Incorporate peat moss or compost to improve the soil’s quality.
- Sunlight: Most bulbous plants prefer full sun, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
- Spacing: Plant bulbs at the appropriate depth and spacing. A general rule is to plant them at a depth equal to three times their size.
Planting your bulbs
Now that we’ve covered how you should choose your bulbs and prepare the planting area, it’s time to get your hands dirty! You can either plant your bulbs by using a garden trowel or by using a bulb planter.
A bulb planter is a gardening tool designed specifically for planting bulbs in the soil. It typically consists of a cylindrical metal tube with a handle at the top. The bottom of the tube is pointed to facilitate easy penetration into the soil, and it often has a mechanism to extract a core of soil. Some bulb planters may have depth markings on the side to help you plant bulbs at the recommended depth.
How to use a bulb planter
Using a bulb planter is a straightforward process that can help you efficiently plant bulbs in your garden. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a bulb planter effectively:
- Select a bulb planter that suits the size of the bulbs you are planting. Bulb planters come in various sizes to accommodate small to large bulbs. Make sure the cutting tube is sharp and clean for optimal performance.
- Plan your garden, and look for some optimal spots where you want to plant the bulbs. Consider factors such as sunlight requirements, soil quality, and spacing recommendations for the specific bulbs you are planting.
- ​Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Loosen the soil in the planting area using a garden fork or shovel. This will facilitate easier bulb penetration and root growth.
- If you want to put in some extra effort, use a marker or small flags to mark the spots where you want to plant each bulb. This helps you maintain proper spacing and arrangement, especially if you are planting multiple bulbs.
- Position the bulb planter vertically over the marked spot and press it into the soil. Push down firmly, allowing the planter to penetrate the soil and create a cylindrical hole.
- While keeping the bulb planter in the soil, give it a slight twist to widen the hole. Then, lift the bulb planter out of the hole, bringing a core of soil with it.
- Place the bulb directly into the hole at the bottom of the cylinder. Ensure that the pointed end of the bulb is facing upward. Take the soil core from the planter and put it back into place, covering the bulb.
- Move to the next marked spot and repeat the process until all bulbs are planted.
- After planting, water the area well to settle the soil and provide initial moisture for the bulbs. This helps initiate root development.
Caring for your bulb flowers
There are a few things you can do to help your bulb flowers thrive in your garden. Bulb flowers, in general, don’t have to take up too much of your time. See these 5 tips to make sure your bulb flowers don’t have anything to complain about!
- Add a layer of mulch to the soil surface after planting to help maintain even soil temperature and moisture levels.
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering, as bulb flowers don’t like soggy soil.
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (for instance a 10-10-10 fertilizer) and a few cups of bonemeal in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.
- In regions with harsh winters, consider planting hardy bulbs that can withstand cold temperatures. For tender bulbs, dig them up in late fall and store them indoors until spring.
- Different bulbs have varying bloom times, so plan your garden with a mix of early, mid, and late spring-blooming bulbs for continuous color.
How and why should you (or shouldn’t you) dry your bulbs
Drying bulb flowers for the next season is a practical and cost-effective way to preserve the beauty of your garden and ensure a colorful display in the following year. However, it is not mandatory to dig up your bulbs after they bloom. If you live in an area that has relatively mild winters you can just leave the bulbs in the ground and enjoy the flowers next season and the seasons after that.
When you put bulb flowers in flower pots to rotate during the growing season or if you do live in a region with harsh winter conditions I would recommend digging the bulbs up and drying them for next season.
After the season is over
After your bulb flowers have finished blooming, allow the foliage to wither naturally. This is when the bulbs start storing energy for the next season’s growth. During this time, avoid cutting back or removing the foliage prematurely, as it’s crucial for the bulbs’ rejuvenation process. Once the foliage has turned yellow and dried up completely, you can gently lift the bulbs from the ground.
After lifting the bulbs, carefully brush off excess soil and inspect them for signs of disease or damage. Bulbs that appear healthy can be stored in a cool, dry place for the rest of the year. You can just wrap them in old newspapers or place them in a basket and put them in a dry, cool spot.
Labeling the bulbs by variety can help you keep track of which flowers you’re planting next season. With this method, you’ll be able to enjoy a colorful garden year after year without the need to purchase new bulbs.
Conclusion
Growing bulb flowers in your garden is a rewarding experience. By selecting the right flower bulbs, following proper planting techniques, and providing essential care, you can enjoy a burst of color and beauty throughout the growing season. Whether you’re admiring the elegance of tulip bulbs or the charm of grape hyacinths, your garden will be a testament to your green thumb and horticultural know-how. Get started on your bulbous plant journey and watch your garden come to life with vibrant blooms!