tips for planting spring bulbs

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was very busy planting spring bulbs in May.  I love the dazzling display that they produce in winter and spring, brightening the garden on dreary days and providing much cheer during the coldest months of the year.  I have put together some tips to ensure that you have the best and brightest display of flowers in your garden.

•          Bulbs can be planted anytime from February until May in the Southern Hemisphere.  As hyacinth and tulips require very cold weather in order to flower well, it’s best to wait until May before planting them
•          When purchasing bulbs, be sure to select firm ones.  Daffodils, in particular, can go soft while unpurchased over many months in garden centres.  Alternatively, you may wish to peruse a mail order company to source your bulbs, such as NZ Bulbs, Bulbs Direct and Gardenpost. 
•          Some bulbs such as anemones, ranunculus, tulips and hyacinth benefit from chilling in the fridge for 4-6 weeks prior to planting if you live in Auckland or further north
•          Some bulbs have a hard coating which makes germination a bit more difficult.  Soak anemones and ranunculus for 2-4 hours in lukewarm water prior to planting to aid germination
•          Bulbs do best planted in free draining soil
•          Prepare the ground by digging in lots of compost and sheep pellets prior to planting
•          Mix some bulb fertiliser into the ground before planting your bulbs to nourish the soil, so that your bulbs are fed adequately while they are growing
•          Use plastic bulb baskets when growing bulbs in the ground to make it easier to locate bulbs once they have flowered
•          Bulbs make a stunning display when planted in clumps of the same variety
•          Short on space?  Bulbs look stunning planted in pots.  Look out for miniature specimen such as tete-a-tete daffodils, miniature freesia and iris reticulata.  Hyacinth are also well-suited to growing in containers
•          Don’t cut the foliage back once bulbs have finished flowering, as the leaves are needed to nourish the bulb.  Doing so will result in poor flowers the following season
•          Sprinkle a little bulb fertiliser around bulbs as the foliage dies down to nourish them

·         Bulbs will re-flower the following season.  You can either leave them in the ground or lift and store them in a cool, dry place until planting the following year. 

•          If left in the ground, bulbs may need dividing every few years as they may become cramped
•        After lifting, rinse and dry your bulbs.  Dust bulbs with flowers of sulphur to discourage pests and diseases.  Store in netting or paper bags until it is time for planting them next year.  These allow for better air circulation than plastic bags, which can cause the bulbs to sweat