Spring blubous flowers furnish permanent beauty and cut flowers that will increase in abundance each year.
All bulbs require perfect drainage. The soil must be deeply spaded, and plenty of balanced commercial fertilizer, well rotted manure, or bone meal added. In clay soil, use plenty of sand around your bulbs. In lighter soils tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths may be covered with ten inches of soil and will not need to be dug for ten or more years. This means they must have plenty of food and deeply dug soil at time of planting. Deeply planted bulbs increase slowly, but blossoms remain large and stems strong. Fertilize well each spring. Keep the foliage in a green condition as long as possible by watering, for it is between the flowering period and the dying of the foliage that the bulb is preparing for next year’s bloom. Never cut the green foliage from the bulbs, as these leaves are ieeded to mature them. When the foliage nas withered and turned yellow, the bulbs may be dug and divided. Bulbs will, need to be dug only when they become crowded or do not bloom well. When digging bulbs, keep them out of the hot sun, store in a cool, well ventilated place. Let them dry well before cleaning and separating. Those that fall apart easily should be separated, but do not force the divisions apart. Bulbs may be replanted at once or before the fall rains. Early planting means more time for the roots to grow and better blooms result. Bulbs may be planted any time after they have been purchased from the dealer, preferably before the fall rains begin. We also incorporate solar landscape lights in our bulb plantings. It is so enjoyable to stroll through the garden in the evening with the lights showing off the colorful blooms.
DAFFODILS – The names ‘daffodil” and ‘narcissus” may be used interchangeably. “Daffodil’ is the English name, and “narcissus” is the Latin name for this flower, while “jonquil” is the name for one of the eleven groups of daffodils (narcissi) and its hybrids, but this includes a very small number of varieties. Plant 6 inches apart and cover with 6 inches of soil. The varieties King Alfred, Aerolite, Beersheba, Fortune, Carlton, Dick Wellband, Fleur, Thalia, Tunis, Gertie Millar, Laurens Koster, Cheerfulness, and Actea will give a six weeks blooming season.
TULIPS – Plant 6 inches apart and cover with 6 to 8 inches of soil. When the mother bulb divides, a number of single leaves will appear. Lifting and replanting the larger bulbs after the foliage dies down will be best, being sure to add plenty of fertilizer. The smaller bulbs may be planted elsewhere until they have reached – blooming size. A single leaf means the bulb is not large enough to bloom.
HYACINTHS – Plant in well prepared soil covering with 8 to 10 inches of soil and 6 inches apart. Deeply planted hyacinths seldom bend over, and continue to have large blooms.
CROCUS, SCILLA, GRAPE HYACINTH, SNOWDROPS – These are inexpensive bulbs that bring cheer and much color to the spring garden, so plant generously. Any of these bulbs may be planted 3 inches deep and 3 inches apart.
GLADIOLI – May be planted as early in the spring as the ground can be worked up and to the last of June. By planting at intervals, the blooming season can be continuous from June until frost. They prefer full sunshine. Plant 4 to 6 inches apart and cover with 4 to 6 inches of soil.
LILIES – Requirements of lilies as a group are much the same as those daffodils and other bulbs; namely, well drained soil and feeding by means of compost or well balanced fertilizer. Surface mulches and light shade are helpful. A planting depth of 6 inches will be right for most types, but lily dealers usually inclose instructions when bulbs are purchased. They must be planted early. Guard against over-watering and over-fertilizing.