Continued:

SOIL
It is very important that the Soil drains well. Bulbs require loose, porous soil in order to develop strong root systems. If your soil is heavy and mostly clay, it is very important to break up the soil with organic materials such as compost, mulch and planting mix. I recommend that you use organic compost such as Gardeners and Bloome Soil Building Compost or Harvest Supreme. This will allow the oxygen and drainage necessary for the bulbs to thrive Bulbs are really simple to grow and re-grow once we understand some of their basic requirements.

PLANTING DEPTH
Do not plant too deep. The rule of thumb is to cover the bulb as deep as the bulb is tall. So daffodils are covered about 3” to 4”, while small bulbs such as ranunculus or anemones are covered only ½” to 1”. If the bulb is too deep, it will sprout slowly or not at all.

FERTILIZING
Make sure to feed your bulbs. An organic fertilizer such as Dr. Earth Rose and Flower Fertilizer or a Red Star Bulb Food is necessary to give the plant vigor as will as provide the energy necessary to restore the bulb for next years bloom.

ALLOWING BULBS TO “DIE BACK”
If you want to save your bulbs for the following year, it is very important to keep the leaves on the plant after they have finished blooming. Fertilize again with Dr. Earth Rose and Flower Fertilizer or a Red Star Bulb Food to build up the maximum nutrient content for the following season. When the foliage begins to fade cut back on the watering, then shortly thereafter, stop watering completely. You can remove the brown foliage when they are at the stage to where they just lift of the bulb with ease. The bulbs are now starting their dormant stage.

STORAGE
If you are storing your bulbs, you will need to carefully dig them up and clean off all the soil and debris. Dust them with a sulfur fungicide if possible. Store them in a paper bag in a dry, cool location where they will be protected from heat, moisture and pests.

FORCING BULBS
Bulbs are easy to grow indoors. They can be forced successfully in the window of an apartment, home, cold frame or in the greenhouse. No special skill is needed and if light, sufficient moisture and temperature are high enough, you can successfully force bulbs. You can use many different types of containers; larger bulbs will require larger containers. When spacing your bulbs, make sure they do not touch each other; there should be soil between every bulb. Some bulbs will force more easily than others. Please consult with your local independent nursery for their favorite selection. Plant bulbs as soon as you buy them in a container that has good drainage. Roots cannot grow in moist soil that can easily stagnate. The exception is with hyacinths or paper white narcissus that you grow in a container of water. These need to be planted in soil immediately after bloom to restore the bulb for next year. Follow the other tips above and you can grow rich, hardy organic bulbs that will delight every part of your senses.