Planting bulbs, corms and tubers
Daffodil, tulip, crocus, lily and even dahlia all fall into the category of bulbs or ‘bulbous plants’, which includes corms and tubers. They are all swollen parts of roots or stems which, when planted, grow into a new plant.
Planting bulbs
There are two main planting times for bulbs.
Summer-flowering bulbs, such as dahlia, begonia, gladioli and canna lilies, are planted in spring and early summer.
Spring-flowering bulbs need to be planted in autumn, the earlier the better – although tulips are best planted in November.
Lilies and some anemones can be planted at either time.
Mix an organic rich compost into the soil, such as Organic Blend Soil Conditioner, and enrich with a special plant food, such as Bulb Booster.
Follow the instructions on the packaging for the right depth and space apart. Bulbs always look better planted in bold clumps of one type or colour, so plant them together rather than spread far apart.
Bulbs look great in containers and dwarf varieties can even be grown in hanging baskets.
And planting them in small pots that can then be sunk in the ground or more ornate pots when in full flower is a great way of filling gaps in beds and borders and patio containers.
Autumn care of summer-flowering bulbs
Some summer-flowering bulbs – such as dahlias and canna lilies – are not reliably hardy and need some care and attention in autumn, depending on where you live.
In mild regions, you can leave them in the ground, preferably covered with a thick mulch of bark to provide insulation from cold and frost. You can try this in colder regions, but there is the risk that they will succumb to frost damage. Even if they survive the winter, they usually come into growth later in the year and flower later – or sometimes not at all. In such circumstances, it is far better to dig up the plants in autumn and overwinter them in a frost-free greenhouse, garage or shed.
