Bulbous plants store the nutrients in an underground organ. energy and water necessary to sprout again each season. That "heart" may be a bulb, corm, tuber or rhizome and gives them exceptional hardiness and spectacular blooms with proper management. Below is a practical, comprehensive, and evergreen guide to plant, fertilize, water, protect and conserve flower bulbs, integrating professional techniques and proven gardening tricks.
How to choose the best specimen when purchasing
Select bulbs firm, heavy and without soft areas. Avoid any trace of mildew or stains. The size matters: The larger ones usually offer more abundant blooms. They should not come sprouted or with exposed roots. Get ahead of the season and buy them soon to access the best quality and variety.
Soil preparation and optimal pH
Success starts underground: bulbous plants demand excellent drainage. In clay soils, it incorporates well-matured compost, peat, coarse sand or gravel to improve the structure. Work the bed deeply (25–45 cm) so that the water flow and do not accumulate on the bulb.
El ideal pH stands between 6 and 7. Perform a soil test and correct: limestone to raise acid pH and sulfur to lower basic pH. A balanced soil improves the phosphorus absorption, key to rooting.
Strategic fertilizer (before, during and after)
In the preparation of the flowerbed, mix in the lower stratum sources of phosphorus , the bone meal or superphosphate, since the P moves little on the ground and must become accessible to the root from the beginning.
For full blooms, it provides slow-release organic fertilizer before planting and, during the growth phase, a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizerAvoid fertilizing bulbs. spring once flowering has begun so as not to shorten the life of the flowers. In pots they work well complete foliar applied regularly.
Choosing the location, orientation and design
Determine the light requirement of each species: most summer bulbs prefer sun or semi-shade; many early spring crops thrive low deciduous trees because they bloom before the foliage. Warm orientations and slopes They usually flower earlier in low areas where the cold air stagnates.
To hide the yellowing foliage after the flower, intercalate annual, combines with ground covers and perennials (hostas, daylilies) or place them after low bushes. Group by species and color to achieve impressive masses or naturalize in irregular groups.
When and how to plant (season, depth and technique)
plant in resting period: those who They bloom in winter-spring they put in autumn; those who They bloom in summer-autumn, a spring. The general rule is to bury 2–3 times the height of the bulb. In tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, place the point up and the root disc facing down.
Works all full bed: Loosen the entire bed to the target depth, place the bulbs, pressing them down lightly, and cover without air pockets. individual planters They don't perform well in heavy soils. In pots, use containers. deep and well-drained.
Precise watering: neither too little nor too much
Water after planting to settle the substrate and stimulate roots. During growth, provide water deeply until reaching the bulb area. As a reference, it offers arguments for moderate weekly watering if it's not raining. Avoid to puddle and don't get them wet flowers: water at the foot with drip irrigation or hose.
In summer, sensitive or shallow planted species (e.g. Allium) they can rot due to excess water and heat. Reduce risks when preparing for the lethargy.
Stakes and mulch
Summer bulbs such as dahlias and gladioli they appreciate support. place stakes or hoops at the time of planting so as not to damage underground organs later.
Apply 2–3 cm of organic mulch to stabilize temperature and humidity. Avoid heavy layers over very early and small bulbs that could hinder sprouting. In cold climates, mulch protects from frost.
After flowering and foliage management
Do not cut the foliage until yellow and dry out completely; the leaves continue manufacturing reserves for the following season. Cutting them early weakens the bulb and compromises future flowering.
For visible gardens, hide the decline of foliage with masses of annuals or combinations of perennials that maintain the visual interest.
Conservation and storage of bulbs
The spring flowering ones come into summer dormancy: When the foliage matures, you can dig up, divide and replant or save to a cool, dry and ventilated place. Signs of saturation that call for division: smaller flowers, uneven heights, and irregular blooms.
In summer species, lift the bulbs to the yellow the leaves. Shake the earth, air in the shade and stores in ventilated boxes with slightly moistened peat, perlite or sawdust, without piling more than 2–3 layers. Avoid proximity to fruits (they emit ethylene) and check periodically rot.
Pre-cultivated bulbs: flower in water
Bulbs pre-cultivated They arrive with the development started and offer more guarantees that the plant is already in flower. For forcing in water, use a narrow-necked glass container with clean pebbles, add water without submerging the bulb (only roots in contact), and place it in a bright and temperate spaceIn a few weeks the flower appears.
Protection against cold and pests
In areas of harsh winters, protects with mulch or dry leaves. Versus rodents, use protective baskets or nets when planting. Avoid fungi when planting healthy bulbs in aerated soils and acting before that the damage spreads.
Why sometimes they don't bloom
Common reasons: excess density (division was missing), inadequate depth or season, lack of irrigation during growth, incorrect storage o premature cut of the foliage. Review each factor and correct the management.
Five spectacular bulbous plants to start with
1. Lilium orientalis
Large lily scented flowers in summer, ideal for borders and flowerbeds. Prefers substrates deep and fresh.
2. Zantedeschia aethiopica (calla)
Flowers in the shape of funnel y intense aroma. Thank you constant humidity without flooding and bright semi-shade.
3. Hippeastrum
Large corollas in vibrant colors, perfect for indoor and potModerate watering and very good substrate draining.
4. Gladiolus
Showy flower spikes that shine in bouquets and flowerbeds. They require sun and tutors in windy areas.
5.Dahlia
Forms and assorted colors, from pompoms to cacti. They value fertile soil, regular watering and tutors.
By providing good drainage, phosphorus in the root layer, deep watering, and proper foliage and dormancy management, bulbs respond with strong blooms year after year. Add protection from cold and rodents, divide when the clump becomes saturated, and combine species to stagger flowering and keep the garden vibrant throughout the season.
