TIS' THE SEASON
It's a-bulb time you start thinking about bulbs! Bulbs are a great way to add color, texture, and excitement to your spring garden! Many of your typical bulbs, such as iris, narcissus, tulips, allium, and daffodils, should be planted in the fall in order for them to bloom in spring.
WHAT IS A BULB?
A bulb is a modified stem that acts as an underground storage organ in some plant species. Since most bulbs have a dormant period, they need to have enough energy or food reserve to survive, especially through vernalization. They do this by storing carbohydrates and other nutrients in this bulb structure. When the bulb is ready to sprout, it mobilizes these carbohydrates and nutrients and uses them in the developmental process of the stem, leaves, and flowers.
HOW TO PLANT
Something that’s really nice about bulbs is that you can layer them based on depth of planting and height of the plants. Having different varieties of bulbs allows you to have bulbs sprouting from early spring to summer. Below is a chart from the Netherland Bulb Company, where we get many of our bulbs, showing the appropriate planting depth and height of some popular bulbs.
Summer bulbs have varied planting requirements so make sure to consult the information provided on packaging for best results.
WHY PLANT NOW?
If you want to add some beautiful color and texture to your garden for the summer and fall, consider adding summer bulbs to your garden this spring!
Popular choices include dahlias, begonias, calla lilies, canna, ranunculus, and caladiums to name a few. Unlike early spring bulbs, these varieties don’t require vernalization—a cold period—to germinate, which makes them perfect for spring planting.
You can start planting summer bulbs when the temperature is consistently between 55 degrees and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to research the proper planting depth for each variety of bulb to ensure they have the best chance of germination. This can also allow you to play with bulb layering which is a great way to add variety and interest to your garden.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER PLANTING
This is because these bulbs require something called vernalization, which is the process of requiring a prolonged period of cold temperature to induce flowering. Think of it as an alarm clock. Your bulbs are in a cold, sleepy state (even though there are still many biological processes happening) and then they wake up as they start to feel those warmer temperatures.
Most bulbs require about 12-16 weeks of cold for full vernalization to take place, but it is best to plant them before the first hard frost which is when temperatures drop below 28°F. It is also important to wait to plant your bulbs until after temperatures are consistently below 65°F so that your bulbs don’t get confused and sprout early. Planting your bulbs in November here in Raleigh should give you enough time for vernalization and beautiful blooms in the spring.
WHAT'S IN OUR GARDEN SHOP
Our Garden Shop is has a wide variety of Bulbs for you to choose from! Take a look at some of our favorites:
Lily Varieties
Lilium Varieties
Ranunculus Varieties
Dahlia Varieties
Alocasia Varieties
Gladiolus Varieties
