Room to Grow : Fall planted spring bulbs
Posted on Sunday, September 7, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/Agriculture/65502/
One of gardening’s most satisfying rewards is revealed in early spring with the emergence of fall planted, spring flowering bulbs.
Crocus, tulips, hyacinths and daffodils are among the popular choices that produce showy blooms each spring.
Many of the spring flowering bulbs require a period of cold temperatures to stimulate growth and flowering. Thus, fall planted bulbs ensure adequate time to fulfill chill requirements. Before planting, consideration should be given to bulb selection, site selection, and soil preparation.
Select the largest bulbs of long lived varieties and avoid damaged bulbs.
Now is the time to prepare your planting site for next years bulb show.
The site selected by the gardener should be a location that provides a showy display and provides the necessary sunlight for flower production.
Take care not to plant alongside a southern wall with direct sun exposure as this may cause the induction of early growth resulting in frost damage.
Choose a site that provides adequate drainage. Bulbs will not tolerate excessively wet soil for prolonged periods of time. If the site is questionable then drainage may be improved by adding organic matter to the soil prior to planting or planting in raised beds. Low-lying areas that collect and hold water should be avoided.
A common complaint among gardeners is that bulbs only produce flowers the first year after planting. However, there are some things you can do to help bulbs thrive and produce blooms for years to come.
The plant stores energy in the bulb for next season’s growth. Many of the bulbs that you will be planting already have the necessary energy and buds for next year’s growth. This is why many people do not recommend fertilizing bulbs at planting. However, for repeated quality and productive blooming, fertilize the soil prior to planting, using a complete fertilizer such as a 5-10-5 at a rate of one pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of planting area. Work this into the upper 4 to 6 inches of soil.
Fertilizing bulbs at planting will ensure improved growth and flowering the second season and beyond. Next season when the bulbs are in bloom apply about two pounds of the same fertilizer per 100 square feet to the upper inch of soil.
Another factor that affects perennial blooming of bulbs is the length of time the foliage remains on the plant after blooming. The leaves should be removed after they turn yellow in order to assure ample time for production of next years energy production and storage.
Another problem resulting in reduced flowering is excess shade. Too much shade can lead to a consistent reduction in flowers from year to year. Furthermore, bulbs may become crowded over time and require dividing. The best time to dig and replant them is in the early summer after the senesced foliage has been removed. The larger bulbs may flower next year, whereas the smaller ones will probably flower the following year.
• • • Mark Bray is a county extension agent with the University of Arkansas ’ Cooperative Extension Services. His column appears on Sundays. Call him at (479 ) 271-1060 or e-mail mbray @ uaex. edu.