COLUMN: Plant bulbs now for a spring show

By: Amanda Taylor | Statesville Record & Landmark
Published: October 31, 2011

For a gardener, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus are the perfect harbingers of spring. Because they’re one of the first things to wake up in the garden, these bulbs add color to otherwise drab landscapes. They can be mixed in with perennials or shrubs and put on a spectacular show when naturalized under trees.

Spring flowering bulbs are beginning to show up on the shelves of garden centers, so start planning your spring display. Early-bird shoppers will have the best selection of bulbs to choose from.

Bulbs that flower in the spring must be planted in the fall to develop a good root system. Bulbs must be exposed to cold weather for a period of time before they can flower. Spring-flowering bulbs should be planted any time from November to early December.

When selecting bulbs, the most important characteristic is the firmness of the bulb. Pass on bulbs that are mushy or tender. Loose skin and small nicks on bulbs are not a problem. Bulb size is directly related to the number and size of flowers that it will produce, so choose accordingly.

Good drainage is essential for bulbs. If an area has standing water after a rain, then it is not a good location for bulbs. Our clay soils will benefit from mixing with compost or aged pine bark at a rate of 1:1. Bulbs can also be planted in containers.

The optimal pH for most flower bulbs is 6 to 7. A free soil test will give lime and fertilizer recommendations based on the analysis of your soil. You still have time to get your soil tested, and kits are available at the Extension office.

The depth at which bulbs are planted depends on the size of the bulb. Large bulbs should be planted at a depth of 8 inches, whereas smaller bulbs should be planted only 5 inches deep.

Once the bulbs are in the planting holes, cover with half of the soil and water. Then add the rest of the soil and water again. Cover with a 3-inch layer of mulch to reduce weeds and conserve soil moisture.

For more information on lawn and garden topics, visit http://iredell.ces.ncsu.edu and click on the lawn and garden tab or call the Iredell County Extension Service at (704) 873-0507.

Amanda Taylor is an agriculture agent (horticulture) with the NC Cooperative Extension Service in Statesville.