Plant Bulbs Now for Spring Bloom

The beauty of seeing bulbs pushing their way through the soil and then blooming in the spring garden and containers is almost magical.

From the early blooming crocus and snow drops to the classic yellow daffodils, the rainbow of colors of tulips, the richly scented hyacinths and the multitude of other bulbs, nothing says winter is over and spring has arrived like color swaths of bulbs in bloom.

For an extended succession of bloom from February into April, plant early, mid, and late blooming varieties, so that as one type is completing its show, another is coming up right behind to grace the garden with more color.

General instructions for in ground planting: Choose moderately sunny to full sun locations, with good drainage. Loosen the soil to about 12 inches deep and enrich with a good soil amendment such as Gardner and Bloome Harvest Supreme. Use EB Stone Organics Bone Meal or Bulb Food in the planting holes to encourage sturdy root growth. Depth of planting for bulbs is generally about 2 and half times the diameter of the bulb. For instance, a 1-inch diameter daffodil should be placed in a hole about 2.5 inches deep.

For a more natural woodland look, plant in groupings, clusters, or “waves.” For more formal plantings, plant in equally spaced rows and grids, with spacing depending upon the type. All bulbs have a growing point, which should be facing upward, with the flat or “root” side down. After placing them in the ground, cover with soil mix, gently press down, and water.

To brighten up the garden during the winter months, so that you won’t have just bare ground, over plant the areas with colorful ever blooming pansies and violas. In the spring, the bulbs will pop through the soil and there will be a spectacular double decker display of colors. Don’t worry, the bulbs will find their way through the pansies!

For year after year bloom, crocus, daffodils and narcissus are great choices. They can be planted in the fall and left in the ground from year to year, where they will naturalize and continue to multiply.

Tulips and hyacinths don’t naturalize as well and are best replaced/replanted every year with fresh bulbs.  If you decide to dig them up each year, they require “pre-chilling” before planting again the following fall. Place the bulbs in either paper or mesh bags in the refrigerator (not freezer!) for about six weeks before planting, as they need to be coaxed to go to “sleep” before placed in the ground.

Container gardening with bulbs is also a wonderful way to usher spring into your garden space. Follow basic planting rules but be sure to use a good potting soil such as EB Stone Organic Edna’s Best or Gardner and Bloom Blue Ribbon. Place the bulbs about one inch apart with tips slightly below soil level and then interplant with pansies and violas.

Remember, spring will be here before we know it, so now is the time to purchase bulbs.

For more detailed instructions, please feel free to ask any of our friendly, knowledgeable garden staff for assistance.

By MARK ERICKSON

Plant Buyer 

Stop by Central Valley to see our full line of spring bulbs!