Proper Care of Spring Flowering Bulbs

Never cut off foliage when flowering is completed. Foliage is necessary for food production and development of the bulbs. Early removal stops growth of the bulbs that have normally used up much of their food reserves during early season growth and flowering. Good vigorous foliage for as along as possible means better bulbs and flowers. When foliage begins to turn yellow and die, it may be removed without any harm to the bulbs. Tulip foliage is usually mature and ready for removal in June.

Daffodil foliage may persist until July. Early flowering bulbs such as crocus may mature their foliage by late May. Cool soil and air temperature is important for good foliage and bulb development. A long, cool spring along with moist soil promotes best foliage. Although we cannot control the weather, we can plant bulbs such as tulips in exposures that tend to stay cool longer. This consideration is less important with daffodils. Eastern or northern exposures are cooler. If these are not convenient, an area receiving afternoon shade might be selected.

If at all possible, bulbs should not be moved immediately after flowering. When a bed must be cleaned out early, the bulbs with all foliage must be placed carefully in another location to develop. If this cannot be done, they should be discarded. Prepare a trench in good, well drained soil in a shaded or partially shaded portion of the garden. As soon as bulbs have finished flowering, lift the clumps carefully with a spade or digging fork, and transfer the clump of soil with roots and plants to the trench.

Make the move when soil is moist enough so that it will cling together, but not so wet that it is muddy and becomes compacted. Fill and firm soil around Hut-lumps in the trench. Water them to settle the soil. After the foliage has matured and died, bulbs may be lifted and stored indoors in a dry, cool location until planting time. If a storage area is not available, allow them to remain in the trench bed until they can be moved back to the flowering location in the fall.

Summer annuals may be interplanted in beds with bulbs remaining. Select those types that tolerate fairly dry soil and do not need abundant watering. Too much water on spring-flowering bulbs in hot weather often seems to promote the development of bulb rots. Select annual plants that are shallow rooted, and do not damage bulbs during planting.

Fibrous rooted begonias or coleus may be used to interplant in relatively shaded spots. In sunny areas dwarf French marigolds are excellent cover. Other useful annual plants include verbena, dwarf zinnia, annual vinca, rose moss or sweet alyssum. When planting annuals among bulbs such as daffodils, leaves may gel in the way. They may be pulled together with rubber bands. This creates some shading, but is better than cutting off the leaves too soon.

Yard & Garden, Spring Flowering Bulbs