Mention the word bulb to someone and they will probably think spring and tulips. Or perhaps, spring and daffodils. Bulbs, especially crocus, tulips and daffodils, seem to herald the beginning of spring. Fortunately, living in the Pacific Northwest, we have a wide array of choices of bulbs and the flowers they produce. Every spring, especially in April and May, when there are so many different and colorful spring bulbs in bloom, I hear people say how they wished they had planted more bulbs in their garden. Of course, it is too late to plant spring blooming bulbs when they are in bloom, but now in September and October, this is the time to plant them.
DeWit Wooden Dibber
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While many spring flowering bulbs are native to the Mediterranean region, fortunately for us living in the Pacific Northwest, many have adapted well to our growing conditions. There is much diversity even among specific categories of bulbs.
Tulips are a good example of this diversity in many ways. The bloom period can be quite varied and by looking at the plant label, it will give an indication of whether the flowers are considered early, midseason or late. For a gardener, this means the blooming time for tulips can be extended for several; weeks as compared to many bulbs that tend to bloom at a specific time.
Tulips also have a wide spectrum of colors from being variegated and multi-colored to white, pink, yellow, red, orange, and purple. Flowers of some varieties can have many petals and are considered as double with the flowers almost looking like small peonies.
Bulbs have arriving soon in Wilco stores and even if you are not ready to plant, the selection will be at its best when the selection has freshly arrived. Buy now and plant later.
Crocus are usually the first bulbs to bloom in the spring. Their grass-like leaves come up before or after blooming depending on the species. Crocus are low growing, usually 3 to 5 inches in height. They are very effective in groupings for a mass effect. They work well in rock gardens and between stepping stones. In a container, try placing blooming pansies, for instant color, in the center and plant crocus bulbs around the inside rim of the pot.
Hyacinthus are most often grown for their very sweet fragrance and for the formal look of their flower spires. They make great outdoor container plants
because they are not only fragrant but also very colorful and their erect stems do not flop. If planting in a pot, place bulbs very close together but not touching each other. Hyacinthus can also be grown in special jars that hold the individual bulb just above the water. These are often referred to as ‘hyacinth jars’ and can be used as a way to have some color in your house during the winter. Growing hyacinths in these jars can also be a good learning lesson for kids.
Daffodils are probably the most widely planted of all fall bulbs with the yellow trumpet flower of ‘King Alfred’ as one of the most widely recognized bulb names. Daffodils are among the easiest of bulbs to grow and with the right conditions, they will multiply and can live for years. Seeing groupings of daffodils in a garden is a sure sign of spring.
Bulbs vary in their requirements for optimum growth, but here are some general tips that would apply to most. Bulbs are alive and just like plants, they need to be treated with care. With few exceptions, and none on the bulbs mentioned here, bulbs should not be soft or mushy, choose firms bulbs. Tulips, as well as most other bulbs, have a protective coating like ‘skin’ around them and this should be left on.
Nearly all bulbs need good drainage and if planted in soggy wet soil will probably rot. In some areas in my garden I have added perlite to help improve the drainage. The addition of fertilizer at time of planting can often be a benefit. I highly recommend getting the Wilco Premium Soil Test Kit to determine what nutrients should be added. My Wilco Soil Test Kit results came back saying that my soil was very high in phosphorus and that is an element that I do not need to add. Purchasing a hand tool like a bulb planter can be a big asset in planting bulbs. Finally, the bulbs mentioned here will do best in a sunny location.
Green Thumb Garden Bulb Planter, Carbon Steel Blade, Ergo Handle
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There are many other bulbs that can be planted in the fall and those listed here are what I would call the ‘big four’. Don’t overlook some of the lessor known bulbs, you might surprise yourself with a new favorite.
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