Frequently Asked Questions About Flower Bulbs (1)
Here at DutchGrown we care about you and about the success of your garden. Planting flower bulbs is very easy, but like with all gardening activities there will always be unknowns. In my years of contact with thousands of happy customers I have been asked many questions, some of them coming up time and time again. In the post below I will answer a selection. Happy gardening!
What is the best time to plant flower bulbs?
We are specialized in flower bulbs that flower in spring, like tulips, daffodils, snowdrops, hyacinths, crocus etc. should be planted in the fall. Plant them from September to December, making sure they’re in before the first ground frost.
Do I need to water the bulbs?
Immediately after planting, yes. This way they’ll quickly grow a good root system, which is vital for them to survive cold and maybe even freezing temperatures. If you plant flower bulbs in a pot the soil will dry out faster, so in the period just after planting you will need to water them a few times as well.
Which of my bulbs will come back next year?
There are two types of flower bulbs: annuals and naturalizing bulbs. Annual bulbs will give you an amazing display in their first year, and will very likely return in the next year, but not as abundantly. Over time they will stop coming up all together. Naturalizing flower bulbs will not only come back every year, but they will increase in number too.
Is it OK to store flower bulbs?
We ship your flower bulbs the right planting time so ideally, you’d plant your flower bulbs as soon as they arrive. If you have to wait a little bit, you can store them in a cool, dry place like a basement or garage, but only for a while. Open up the bags or boxes as flower bulbs need fresh air. During this time make sure to check them often for fungus caused by high humidity. If you discover fungus, let the bulbs become dry to the touch and then plant them immediately afterwards.
What bulb varieties can scare mice away?
Unfortunately, there are no flower bulbs that can do this of their own volition. But there are other ways to ward off mice, voles, moles and other underground pests. You can plant flower bulbs deeply and then cover them up well with soil to deter mice. Another thing you can do is to create a barrier: Place chicken wire or fine netting around the edges of your planting bed and tuck it slightly into the soil.
What if I want to plant flower bulbs under shrubs and trees?
Flower bulbs, shrubs and trees will all be competing for the nutrients in the soil, so make sure the flower bulbs you plant are strong enough to survive on their own. Buying top sized is are the most important! Early-flowering bulbs will do very well here, as they will stand out among the still bare branches of the shrubs and trees. If you want years of flowering, with increased density every year, plant a mixture of at least six varieties of naturalizing bulbs that flower at successive times. Pick the spots that get the most sunlight and plant clusters of flower bulbs there or plant mixed groups close to the edges of the wooded area.
Do my flower bulbs need fertilizer?
In the first year that they grow, flower bulbs contain all the nutrients they need to bloom. However, fertilizing does help to keep them healthy and safe from diseases and pests. Good organic fertilizers are compost and manure, which improve the soil and give it a good structure for bulbs. Extra organic supplements can add nutritional balance. If you want to use compound mineral fertilizers you should check the label to see whether this specific variety is suitable for flower bulbs, and at what time of year you can best use it.
There’s been a mid-winter thaw. Won’t the next freeze kill the flowers? Should I protect my flower bulbs?
You don’t have to do anything. Sure, a severe frost may create some brown spots on the tips or leaves but the bulb should still flower. Flower bulbs are made to thrive in exactly this kind of weather situation, and a bit of yo-yo-ing temperature won’t stop them from flowering for you in spring
With this information nothing can stop your patio, garden or balcony from becoming the sea of flowers you have always dreamed of. DutchGrown only ships the highest caliber of flower bulbs, to make sure you get the best bloom for your buck. Why not give your spring a beautiful start with these amazing collections?
