Polk County Master Gardeners
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Bulbs
Now is the time to dig and divide spring flowering bulbs that have become
too crowded. Iris, daffodils, tulips, lilies and other bulbs (or corms) that
flower in the spring will be happier and give you more blooms if you give them
enough room. Most of these will need dividing every two to six years, or
whenever they start shouldering each other aside. Grape hyacinth and crocus
seldom need dividing. And if you don’t have any spring-flowering bulbs in your
garden, perhaps this is the fall to start. They need to be out in the ground
during the winter for a good display in the spring.
When you dig them, be careful not to damage the bulbs. Separate the side
bulbs from the main bulbs and spread them over the correct spacing. Large bulbs
(2 inches and over) should be planted about 8 inches apart; small bulbs (around
1 inch) should be 1 to 2 inches apart.
You will have a much more attractive display if you plant them in clusters
and remember the three most important things: color, plant height, and flowering
time. Tiny bulbs, such as grape hyacinth, should be in front of the taller ones
such as iris. Clusters of blooms in one color are usually much more impressive
than a completely mixed display. And try to plant the bulbs so that they will
flower at a different time from their neighbors so that you will have color in
your garden much of the year.
Bulbs like soil with a lot of organic matter, so mix in some peat moss or
compost when you are preparing the bed. They should be watered generously when
planted, but select a well-drained area. Bulbs that stay wet tend to rot.
And while you are planting, mark each type of bulb so that you will know what
you have the next time you dig them up - it is very hard to tell one bulb from
another without their leaves and blooms.
Deadhead (cut off the dying flowers so that they do not form seeds) your
plants, but let the leaves alone until they turn brown or at least six weeks
after the end of the blooming period. They need the leaves in place to
“recharge” the bulbs for a good bloom next season.
By Barbara M. Tobias
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