How many bulbs to plant

Many bulbs will naturalize in an area and multiply, coming back year after year, so plan carefully and you can have years of enjoyment from one planting. Bulbs can be planted in layers by digging up an entire area down to the proper depth, placing the bulbs and covering; or in individual holes dug for each bulb. Individual planting is made easier with a bedding plant auger pictured. Not only good for Sunday dinner, lasagna planting is great for bulbs. The idea is to plant bulbs with different sizes and staggered bloom times in layers for a continual bloom.

This works great in large containers that are deep and wide enough. This planting method can be used in-ground as well for a concentrated area planting. It can also be adjusted to fewer layers in smaller pots.

For all bulbs, after blooming, cut only the flower stem back. Leave foliage intact until it turns yellow and wilts to the ground; the leaves are gathering and storing energy for next year. If the foliage is cut back too soon, bulbs may not perform well—or at all—the following year.

Spring bulbs: In warmer climates bulbs that require chilling can be dug up and stored until pre-chilling time the following fall. For colder climates, they can stay in the ground. Many will multiply and return year after year. Summer bulbs: In warmer climates, bulbs can be left in the ground with a layer of mulch in winter to protect and insulate them. A: To avoid the sad, sparse look of a lone tulip swaying in the breeze or a single row of spaced-out alliums, plant in clumps not rows and plant them closer than the instructions recommend, says Barbara.

For daffodils and tulips, ten to twelve in a group is best. I like when they emerge looking like a bouquet of flowers, and large swaths or drifts of blooms planted closely is beautiful.

For daffodils and tulips, I only give them two to three inches apart. For crocus and minor bulbs such as Eranthis, plant them in groups very close together for a great show in spring. For a truly easy way to plant bulbs, consider a bulb planter; you can find one here: 10 Easy Pieces: Bulb Planters. Search for:. Q: When is the best time to plant bulbs? Above: Low-growing crocuses are among the first bulbs to flower in early spring and look like a colorful carpet if you plant the bulbs in a lawn.

After the flowers fade, you can mow the foliage along with the turf. Beneficial Wildlife. Edible Gardening. Fruiting Plants. Vegetable Plants. Planting Edible Gardens. Tending Edible Gardens. Container Gardening. Container Plants. Container Design. Garden Design. Quick facts. Timing Plant spring-flowering and hardy summer-flowering bulbs in autumn, tender summer-flowering bulbs in early spring, and autumn-flowering bulbs by late summer Difficulty Easy.

Jump to Suitable for When to plant bulbs Where to plant bulbs How to plant bulbs Problems. Suitable for When to plant bulbs Autumn Plant spring-flowering bulbs, such as daffodils , crocus and hyacinths , preferably by the end of September Plant tulips in November Plant hardy summer-flowering bulbs, such as lilies, alliums and crocosmia, in September and October Spring Plant tender summer-flowering bulbs, including gladioli, in early spring Summer Plant autumn-flowering bulbs, such as nerines, by late summer.

Where to plant bulbs Some bulbs need specific siting; Most hardy bulbs, including tulips and daffodils, prefer a warm, sunny site with good drainage as they come from areas with dry summer climates Bulbs from cool, moist, woodland habitats, such as Cardiocrinum , need similar garden conditions.

Improve light or sandy soils with garden compost and heavy soils with compost plus grit. How to plant bulbs Most bulbs are acquired and planted when dry, in a dormant, leafless, rootless state. Planting in borders Aim to plant in groups of at least six, as the more bulbs that are grouped together, the better the display. This method applies to spring-, summer- and autumn-flowering bulbs: Dig a hole wide and deep enough for your bulbs.

Plant most bulbs at two to three times their depth. Avoid treading on the soil as this can damage the bulbs If the ground is moist or the bulbs are autumn-planted, watering is not critical. In containers Most bulbs are ideal for growing in containers, but this especially suits those with large, showy flowers, such as tulips, lilies , arum lilies and alliums. Here are some tips for success: For bulbs that are only going to spend one season in their container, use a mix of three parts multi-purpose compost with one part grit.

For long-term container displays, use three parts John Innes No 2 compost mixed with one part grit Plant at three times their depth and one bulb width apart Water bulbs once after planting then regularly when in active growth, but you can reduce watering once the leaves start to die down and then through the dormant season.

However, continue to check pots in winter, ensuring they do not dry out completely To promote good flowering next year, feed the bulbs every seven to ten days with a high-potassium fertiliser such as a liquid tomato feed. Begin feeding as soon as shoots appear, and stop feeding once the foliage starts to die down at the end of the season If you bring pots of hardy bulbs indoors during flowering, put them in a sheltered spot outside as soon as flowering is over.

Missed planting your bulbs at the right time?