BULBS
Bulbs are always popular and in the U.K. are a
sign that Spring is on the way.
When
buying bulbs always select carefully.
Good bulbs are plump, firm and free from blemishes.
They should also be a good size (for the type)
as if they are too small they may not flower in
the first year.
Bulbs
are best planted in clusters. They
look good under a tree, in a tub or in window
boxes.
If
planting bulbs in grass remember to choose
low growing varieties such as "February Gold"
or "Jenny" daffodils or Kaufmanniana
tulips. To achieve a random look scatter
the bulbs onto the lawn and plant where they fall.
Remember bulbs planted in lawns make mowing trickier.
Bulbs
suffer if they are not planted deep enough.
As a general rule they should be planted
at three times the depth of the bulb. i.e.
if the bulb measure 5 cms (2") from top to
bottom, they should be planted 15 cms (6")
deep.
When
the flowers are finished the dead flower heads
should be cut off before they turn to seed to
prevent the plant being weakened for the next
year. Leave the stems to turn brown and
die off naturally, this will allow nourishment
to be returned to the bulb for next year's flowers.
Don't trim the leaves off or tie them down.
If you need to remove the bulbs to make way for
other planting, carefully lift out the bulbs and
replant them in a corner of your garden with wire
netting beneath them. Lift and replant in
autumn.
Daffodil bulbs should be in before the
end of October. Small varieties developed from
wild daffodils (Species) should be planted in
holes 75mm (3 in) deep, other varieties at 15
cm (6ins) deep.
Tulips
can be planted from October until the end of November
in holes about 10 cm (4ins) deep.
Snowdrops can be planted as bulbs before
the end of September in holes 75-100mm (3-4ins)
deep, however, if possible, plant them immediately
after flowering whilst still in leaf.
Crocuses should be planted before the end
of September at about 50-75mm (2-3ins) deep.
Planting
bulbs indoors for Christmas flowering.
As
these are required for early flowering you will
need to buy 'prepared' bulbs, these have been
treated to speed up their development. 15th
September is generally considered to be the best
date for planting to ensure flowers for Christmas,
but as nature is not an exact science this, of
course, cannot be guaranteed.
Put
some potting compost or well soaked bulb fibre
into a pot leaving enough space to allow the bulbs
to be placed inside with the tips just below the
rim of the container. They should be placed
close together but not touching. Cover
with compost or bulb fibre and water well.
The container should then be placed in a cool
spot such as a shed or bury it in a shady corner
of the garden. Contrary to some beliefs
darkness is not essential, however, coolness is.
Do not put in a black plastic sack as
this encourages mould. After 10-12 weeks
young green shoots should appear (these will be
paler if the pot has been kept in the dark).
When the shoots have reached about 5 cms. (2 ins)
in height bring the pot into a cool room
and they should flower in time for Christmas.
A lovely present for someone too.
Brought to
you from http://www.hintsandthings.co.uk
|
