General Bulb Planting Notes

By on October 28th, 2012

General Notes

General

  • Bloom seasons are always approximate due to weather variations. E = Early EM = Early to Mid-season, M = Mid-season, ML = Mid to Late, L = Late
  • Almost all Tulips and Narcissus are packaged 5 bulbs per bag. See label for all other bulbs, for bulb-count per bag.
  • Always remove spent flowers from Narcissus and Tulips, but not the whole stem as stems also feed next year’s bulbs.
  • Feed all bulbs with a bulb food or vegetable food, or a balance of NPK like 5/10/10 when tulips are up about 2-3”. This will feed next year’s bulbs well.
  • Most bulbs should be planted as deep as 3X the diameter of the bulb, although it can be shallower if mulched after planting.
  • Plant small bulbs first, then Narcissus and Tulips last (they root the fastest). It is best to plant no later than November 1st.
  • If bulbs are rooted well, they will not be damaged by freezing.

    • Narcissus

  • The last Narcissus to bloom is Pipit.
  • Narcissus class Jonquilla tend to get about 5” taller than labeled, in the PNW.
  • Narcissus colors are listed perianth / cup.

    • Tulip

  • The last Tulips to bloom are the Lily-flowered and Viridiflora.
  • Tulips form a new bulb or bulbs each year and need full sun and heavy feeding to grow a bulb up to flowering size. Usually they form 2 or 3 undersize bulbs in pots or in the garden. Most who get tulips to Perennialize have a dry summer garden in full sun. The species will perennialize easily, but must have these conditions.

    • Crocus

  • Dutch crocus are the large flowered crocus. Do not mix yellow with the other colors as they are a bit weedier when planted en-masse.
  • To plant crocus, plant them about 2-3” deep, mulch, water in well, and cover with mesh or boards for about 3 weeks. The squirrels cannot smell them as easily if they have begun to root.
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