Q. What is the rule of thumb for planting bulbs? I never seem to find my bulb chart when I need it. In addition, when is the latest that spring flowering bulbs can be planted?
A. The planting season for spring flowering bulbs begins around mid October when the warm fall temperatures have concluded. It continues through the end of the year: although, most of the bulbs planted in the ground are done by Thanksgiving. Spring bulbs are best purchased early as the selection is limited by the end of October. Freesias, Anemones and Rannuculus can be planted into February. Tulips and Daffodils planted after the beginning of the year produce flowers on short stems. Bulbs can be stored in a cool location until the optimum planting time. Because they sweat, store them in paper or mess bags. If they’re in plastic, release the moisture by opening the tops of the bag(s). The general rule of thumb for the planting depth is three times the vertical height of the bulb itself. The planting area should be generously amended with organic matter such as homemade compost or soil conditioner. The water needs to drain away after each winter storm; otherwise, they will rot. You also need to add a teaspoon or tablespoon of Bulb Food under each bulb. The amount depends on the size of the bulb. A second application of fertilizer is made after blooming.
Planting bulbs in containers is very popular today. I’d guess that more bulbs are planted in pots than in the ground. Container bulbs are planted in any of the many commercial potting soils or planting mixes available at your favorite garden center. If you are reusing a clay or terra cotta pot, you should sterilize it first to eliminate any of the over-wintering fungus. This is easily done by washing the containers in a solution of one part household bleach to nine parts water. Since the household bleach is an irritant, it’s recommended that you wear gloves. The pots are then air dried at least over night before planting. Ideally, you should pick a container that will allow the bulbs the proper room for the root development. Many times, they end up at depths that do not meet the planting depth guidelines and that is okay. This is especially true if you’re piggybacking or layering different types of bulbs in the same container. The commercial produced spring flowering bulbs have the nose of the bulbs at the soil surface. The planting depth in containers is all over chart so I’d pick a depth that seems reasonable. You don’t have to wait until spring to enjoy these containers. By adding pansies, violas, primulas or any of the other seasonal color, they can be placed on the deck, patio or balcony today.
Note: For information on all types of spring and summer flower bulbs, www.bulbs.com is an ideal reference source. The bulb guides are very good on the specific bulbs.
In addition, the following website has bulb-planting chart for future reference
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/bulbs/planting-charts-for-spring-flowering-bulbs/
Buzz Bertolero is Executive Vice President of Navlet’s Garden Centers and a California Certified Nursery Professional. His web address is www.dirtgardener.com and you can send questions by email at dirtgarden@aol.com or to 360 Civic Drive Ste. ‘D’, Pleasant Hill, Calif. 94523