Page 20 - North Haven Magazine Issue 15 Autumn 2020

NO
NOW IS THE TIME TO PLANTW IS THE TIME TO PLANT
Spring Bulbs
Spring Bulbs

by Sally Brockett
e love to see spring bulbs send up their shoots which then burst open with col-
Worful blossoms. It is a sign that winter is over and we can begin to enjoy warmer
days and beautiful flowers. If you want to have new bulb blossoms, now is the time to
plant them. So plan ahead and be ready for spring color.

Spring flowering bulbs require an interval of cold (below 50 degrees but not freezing)
for about 10-16 weeks to trigger the growth of the plant. These bulbs are harvested
during the summer to be ready for fall planting, so fall is the only time they are avail-
able to purchase. But, purchase your bulbs early so you have a better selection, and
then store them in a cool, dark, dry location until time to plant.
Location:
First, decide where you are going to plant your bulbs. Avoid areas that do not drain
well. Mix in compost or other organic material so the soil is loose and contains nutri-
ents. Bulbs like sun, which is usually not a problem because the leaves on trees are not
out yet, or are still small when the plants will be growing and blossoming.

Design:
You can start by first making a design plan, or, if you have a special type of bulb in
mind to use, make the design complement that type of bulb. To create a noteworthy
splash of color, you need to plant enough bulbs in a group so they will show up from
a distance. You can be creative with the layout and make it formal, or more natural.
Think of using curves, which occur naturally in nature, rather than square corners,
unless you are making a particular design. With many children still involved with Spring container garden
home schooling, designing a bulb garden can be a great activity to involve math, art,
and other academic interests.
Bulb Selection:
There are many types of bulbs, some that are very familiar to us, and others that may be new. It can be exciting to experiment with some
new varieties planted among the favorite oldies. Important considerations when selecting bulbs:

Type of Bulbs – crocus, daffodils, tulips, Color – decide what color/s you want to Height – choose appropriate heights for
anemones, hyacinths, allium, and many use based on your design and landscape. the growth of the flowers. Short in front,
more! tall in back.

Flower Shape – look through pictures Flowering time – there may be early, Quality – purchase from a reputable
of flowers and the many different shapes mid- and late blooming varieties so plan seller. Generally, if the bulb is large, it
that may be available, especially in the to have a succession of blossoms at the will have a larger blossom, compared to
tulip family. right times. a smaller one of the same species.

Planting the bulbs:
Be sure to wait until the soil has cooled before planting. You do not
want warm soil to cause the bulb to start its growth. October, or even
early November is a good time to consider planting in our region.
Planting bulbs at the proper depth helps assure your bulbs will pro-
duce the flowers you want. Usually, the package will give directions
about depth for that particular bulb. If in doubt, the general rule is
to plant 2-3 times the height of the bulb. For fall bulbs, planting too
deep is considered better than too shallow. The pointy end of the
bulb should face upwards. Some types of bulbs don’t have a pointy
end, so these can be laid on their side. The growth shoot will find its
way up to the warm sunshine.
Water the bulbs once to fill in air pockets and stimulate the root
Plant with point on top. growth. Unless it is extremely dry, there is no need to water through
the late fall and winter. If the spring is very dry, you may need to
provide some water, but remember, bulbs will rot if they are too wet.

20 North Haven Magazine - Autumn Issue 2020