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Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension
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| Yates Association |
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Fall Planting Spring Bulbs |
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Hardy
bulbs exceed all other groups of plants in producing color in the
spring garden. For the most part, they are the earliest plants to
bloom, and many have exceptionally showy flowers. The gardening season
begins with the snowdrops and winter aconites, usually in early March.
These are soon followed by crocuses, scillas, and chionodoxas; then
come the hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips. Most bulbs do well the first year regardless of where they are planted. Very
few of the hardy, spring-flowering bulbs tolerate wet, soggy soil
conditions during the winter. Plant them in a situation where there
is good drainage and where there is no danger of water standing on
the surface of the ground through the winter or spring. In most spring-flowering bulbs, the buds are already formed at the time the bulbs are planted in the fall. The soil must be prepared well if the bulbs are to remain in vigorous condition for several years. Fertilizer added to the soil before the bulbs are planted increases growth. The best fertilizer is a complete commercial one such as 5-10-5, applied at the rate of 1 pound to 100 square feet of surface area. Work
it thoroughly into the top 4-6 inches of soil. After bulbs are established,
increase fertilizer applications to 2 pounds per 100 square feet when
the bulbs are in bloom. Avoid fertilizer contact with bulb foliage
and scratch the fertilizer into the upper inch of soil. Organic matter,
like compost or rotted manure, can be added to "heavy" soils
to improve their physical structure. It is applied at the rate of
3 bushels per 100 square feet and worked into the top 8 inches of
soil. October
is the best month to plant all the spring-flowering bulbs. As a
rule, the depth of soil above the top of the bulb should be 2 to 3
times the diameter of the bulb. Plant the larger growing bulbs, such
as tulips and daffodils, about 8 inches apart. Plant crocus and grape
hyacinths about 4 inches apart. Precautions
should be taken to prevent rodents from feeding on the bulbs. When
the bulbs are planted in beds, cover the beds with fine mesh wire
to prevent mice from digging out the bulbs. Other practices besides planting affect the growth and development of bulbs include the removal of seed pods. Remember to leave foliage on until it yellows. Cornell
Cooperative Extension Yates Association |
