Spring Flowering Bulbs-MG

There is still time to plant bulbs to bloom next spring, and, in fact, because of our unusually mild autumn, many bulbs planted earlier in September and October, have already started showing leaves and could be damaged later should we have extremely cold weather. Many gardening books do recommend September and October planting, however, from experience, best results are obtained in our area by delaying planting until November, and planting can continue until around Thanksgiving.

Most bulbs need several weeks of cool weather to develop good root systems, so waiting too late can prevent this root development and thus delay spring blooming. Late spring bloom when the weather has become too warm will shorten the time of blossoming and result in inferior blooms.

Bulbs, properly planted and maintained, will continue producing beautiful blossoms over many years, with a minimum of effort. Not only do they provide a beautiful display of flowers for several weeks, but by planting early and late-blooming varieties, and different kinds of bulbs, this display can be made to last even longer.

Many people, when they think of spring flowering bulbs, consider mostly tulips, daffodils and narcissi, but there are many more bulbs that can also be planted, such as hyacinth, grape hyacinth, squill and crocus, to name a few.

While not actually bulbs, other spring-flowering plants, such as miniature iris, Dutch iris, anemone and flowering onion can also be planted at this time for early spring bloom. Soil requirements for most of these flowers are similar, with good drainage needed to prevent rotting. Bulbs planted in locations that remain moist during summer when soils are very warm develop rots easily. If drainage cannot be improved, then planting in raised beds may be the answer.

Most spring-flowering bulbs will need sunlight to continue to develop and flower year after year, but since most of their growth is completed before trees fully leaf out, they may be grown under trees, but may need additional water and fertilizer to compete with tree roots. Plant them where they will get at least a half day of sunlight, and avoid planting on the north sides of buildings.

For best bloom, good soil that drains well is a must, and if the planting area is clayey, then liberal amounts of coarse sand and organic material needs to be added. Also, when preparing bulb beds, adding a complete garden fertilizer into the soil, such as 5-10-5, or a packaged bulb food according to directions, will get the bulbs off to a good start. Mix the fertilizer thoroughly into the soil, as a high fertilizer concentration can kill newly emerging roots and promote rotting.

Most bulbs make good border plantings, and look especially well when planted in front of evergreens, which can provide background and provide wind protection. However, mass plantings of some bulbs, such as jonquils, narcissi, crocus, and grape hyacinth, if there is sufficient room, is very effective and colorful. If you prefer this type of planting, simply toss the bulbs over the ground and plant where they land for a very naturalistic look.

Most nurseries and garden centers now have bulbs on sale and still have a good selection, so if you like a good bargain, this is the time to purchase bulbs, but again, do not delay their planting too long. By planting many different bulbs you will be rewarded in early spring by a colorful series of bloom, and will make "Old Man Winter" seem much shorter.


		University of Missouri Extension Jasper County jasperco@missouri.edu Web site maintained by: Virginia Bryan bryanv@missouri.edu Last updated: 09/02/2009