Bulbs are often one of the first things to bloom in the spring.  Fall is the best time to plant those bulbs for a beautiful spring show.  Here are our tips for successfully planting your bulbs. 

Choosing Bulbs 

Many places sell bulbs in bulk bins.  Pick the largest bulbs of the variety you want out of the bin because the larger the bulb, the larger the bloom.  Make sure the bulbs you buy do not have any mold or cuts on them, as these bulbs may root in the ground.  Decide whether you are planting each bulb separately or are doing a mass planting for more impact.  We always like to plant in mass whenever possible. 

Prepare the Ground 

Bulbs are planted at a depth two to three times the size of the bulb.  Dig the bulb bed a little deeper than that.  Spread a fertilizer with lots of nitrogen and phosphorus in it on the bulb bed.  Bone meal works well for this.  Till the fertilizer into the soil to a depth of three inches or so. 

Plant the Bulbs 

Bulbs need to be planted with the growing tip upwards.  Planting the bulb upside down makes it spend more energy to reach the surface.  Cover the bulbs with the dirt you removed to make the bulb bed.  Do not compact the soil under the bulbs or water will not absorb well and it will be hard for the roots to grow.  Water the bulb bed. 

Seasonal Color 

Once the bulb bed is covered, you can plant violas or pansies on top for seasonal color before the bulbs come out in the spring.  Cover the soil with a three-inch layer of mulch to keep the bulbs from heaving out during the winter whether you plant seasonal color or not.  The seasonal color will also help hold the soil temperature more constant, so heaving doesn’t occur. 

After the Bloom 

After the bloom starts to fade, deadhead the flower so the bed looks nice.  The foliage will continue to grow for a while after the flowers stop.  Let the foliage grow until it turns brown and withers.  Right before the foliage withers, it sends all the food it has in it to the bulb.  If the foliage is cut prematurely, the bulb may not have the energy it needs to grow in the spring. 

The second year after planting the bulbs, dig them up and separate them.  Replant the best bulbs and discard little ones and any with cuts on them. 

We Can Help 

Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping can plant your bulbs for you.  We have several colors of tulips you can choose from.  We plant a minimum of 100 bulbs.  One hundred bulbs plant an area of about 20 square feet.  The grouping can be split into sections.  We will prepare the soil, fertilize, and plant the bulbs.  After planting we will cover the bed with mulch.  If you are interested in having us plant bulbs for you, simply call Jess at 816-631-0492 or email her at [email protected].  The deadline for ordering bulbs is September 15, 2024.