How To Have Better Spring Bulbs

A good bulb website and/or catalog is an indispensable aid to fall planting. To those who believe that tulip selection is only a matter of color selection and that daffodils are of but one type, this statement may seem exaggerated.

Read your catalog thoroughly before ordering and you will be amply rewarded. You may also find the answers to some of your questions below.

When should bulbs be ordered so they will be shipped at proper planting time?

Order early… July or August. Early orders are among the first to be shipped, and suppliers with full stocks seldom need to make substitutions.

When should bulbs be planted?

The first to be planted are the fall-blooming crocus species and colchicum. They are planted in August for September, October and November flowering so they must be ordered early… July or August.

Ideally, crocuses and narcissi are planted as soon as received – usually September – as they need a long rooting season. However, as with tulips, late planting is generally satisfactory although stems may be shorter and flowers smaller.

Tulip planting should be deferred until mid-October, extending into late November. In areas where the ground freezes early it is extremely important to order early in order to avoid late shipments.

Lilies often cannot be harvested by the growers until late fall, and shipments may be made as late as November or December. Where the ground freezes early it may be advisable to mulch the garden in which the lilies are to be planted so they may easily be planted when received.

How can the blooming season of tulips be extended?

Bloom may be had for almost two months by planting the different types. Tulips bloom in this approximate order: species, single early and double early, double May flowering, cottage, Darwin and breeder.

What size tulip bulb is best?

Most catalogs list only the top grade. Size will vary with variety and type, the tulip species and early-flowering tulips having relatively small bulbs. Aside from these two exceptions the majority of tulip bulbs should be about 11 centimeters in circumference. A reliable dealer is your best assurance of quality.

Are there any varieties of narcissus whose blooms are more resistant to wind, cold and heat than are others?

Some of the short-cup varieties have extremely good substance and withstand difficult weather.

Which narcissus are suitable for planting in the rock garden?

The so-called “miniatures” with their relatively small flowers are well suited. They can be left undisturbed for years and will multiply rapidly.

Are the pink daffodils really pink?

Years ago there were no true pinks, but each year sees more pink color in the newer varieties. Perhaps they might be more accurately described as apricot-pink. They are truly lovely, and a few should be seen in every garden.

Is there a double snowdrop?

Yes, Galanthus nivalis flore-pleno.

I have a very swampy spot where most bulbs fail to grow. Is there any type which might succeed here?

You should try Camassia esculenta. These bulbs are extremely tolerant of moisture and are very hardy. Flower spikes grow to 2 feet in height with clusters of purple star-shaped flowers. Camassia Leichtlini comes in various hues of blue and creamy white.

Which is the most reliable crocus for naturalizing in the grass?

Crocus Tommasinianus is almost indestructible and rapidly increases to form bigger clumps each year. Color ranges from pale mauve to deep purple.

I have been told that there is a yellow variety of the common paper-white narcissus used for growing in pebbles indoors. How will this be listed in the catalogs?

This is known as Soleil D’or. It is a rich golden-yellow with a deep orange-red cup. Does best when grown in soil.

When are the bulbs of the Dutch and Spanish irises planted?

They are planted from September to December. Late planting is advised in some areas to prevent fall foliage growth which may be injured by the cold.

When I try to buy freesias in November 1 am always told it is too late. When should they be purchased?

It is best to order freesias in July. Plant in August in bulb pans and keep outdoors until cool weather. Then bring indoors before frost for forcing.

What is the variety of grape hyacinth that is a deep blue in color?

Muscari armeniacum is an excellent dark shade of blue-purple with large flowers. This fragrant variety is excel-lent to edge the border or for use in the rock garden. Bulbs should be planted as soon as received.

Related Articles Of Interest:

• A Quick Guide to Choosing and Planting Bulbs
• When Did You Plant Them?
• Autumn Is Bulb-Planting Time
• Time to Think of Tulips