Questions and Answers on Planting Bulbs

　
 It may seem like a long time, but the Bulbs you plant
in the fall will bring glorious color in the spring.Patience is a virtue. And when it comes to planting spring blooming bulbs,
patience has its rewards.There's nothing easier than planting bulbs.Even a beginner can create a breathtaking spring garden by investing just a little time at the right time.

Here are some frequently asked questions provided by the Netherlands

Flower Bulb Information Center (visit their Web site at www.bulb.com).

They should help you get off on the right foot when planting bulbs this autumn.

Then comes the hard part — waiting until spring for the beautiful bulbs to bloom!

　

　

Question: What's the best way to keep squirrels from digging up bulbs just planted?

Answer

If tulips or crocus are some of your favorite flowers, however, you may need to take extra

measures.One of the most successful ways to protect these bulbs from furry critters

is to lay wire mesh, such as chicken wire, on top of the bed. Squirrels can't dig through it,

but flowers can grow through the holes.

　

Why can't tulips and daffodils be planted in spring?

Answer

cool dormant period. Cool temperatures spark the process that causes bulbs to flower. It's

important to plant bulbs before the ground freezes so they develop strong roots.

　

Q: Should bulbs be mulched?

Answer:

over bulb plantings just after the ground lightly freezes. Instead of using it as a winter

"warming blanket", the mulch will actually keep the ground temperatures cool and stable.

　

Question: Why is it best to plant bulbs in clusters?

Answer:

Here's a trick: Plant similar bulbs in a triangular pattern with one point of the triangle facing

the front of the garden. When they bloom, it'll look like you planted more flowers than you actually did.

　

Question: How does a spring cold snap affect bulbs that have already come up?

Answer:

Warm weather than anticipated, but in most cases it won't result in damage.

A short freeze won't cause much lasting damage to your bulbs. However,

it may damage developing buds and "burn" blossoms that are already open.

　

Question: Can spring bulbs be grown in warm climates?

Answer:

Zones 9 and 10 (see page 65 in the Aug/Sept issue for a zone map). The blooming

season in these areas is much earlier than in cooler zones.Some bulbs, such as tulip,

hyacinth and crocus, need a chilling period before they're planted. Simply keep bulbs

in the refrigerator for 12 to 16 weeks. Again, keep bulbs away from ripening fruit.

Plant chilled bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep in December or early January, water them

well and add mulch to retain moisture and protect them from heat. New bulbs must

be planted each season.

　

Question: What should be done after the flowers fade?

Answer:

or 6 weeks have passed since blooming. The leaves feed the bulb so it can flower next spring.

Tulip blooms should be clipped off after they fade so they don't go to seed.

　

　

　The most important thing is to keep the leaves on the plant until they're brown, Spring-flowering bulbs can be grown in climates as warm as Plant Hardiness Spring bulbs are tougher than you think. They usually can take what Mother Nature dishes out. Groups of bulbs create a greater impact of color, making them look more like bouquets. Mulch isn't necessary, but it can be beneficial—about 3 inches is plenty. Mulch : Spring-flowering bulbs must be planted in fall or early winter because they require a long : Try planting daffodils and other Narcissi bulbs, because squirrels don't like how they taste. : It's best to plant bulbs as soon as you get them, but not before cooler fall temperatures arrive.

Question: How soon should bulbs be planted after they're purchased?

Answer

They can be stored in the crisper of your refrigerator for several weeks. (Be sure to keep bulbs

away from apples and other fruits. Gas emit-ed by ripening fruit is harmful to bulbs.) Ideally,

bulbs should be planted 6 weeks before the ground freezes. This gives them plenty of time for

root development. If you've missed this window, go ahead and plant them anyway. Always

water your bulbs after planting.(I always say, "If the soil is workable, work it!"