Bulbs

Garden Supply Guide

In Full Bloom: Nine Popular Garden Bulbs

Even for the amateur gardener, garden bulbs are must haves for a proper garden. If you don�t have bulbs in your garden, it isn�t worth the patch of earth it occupies, seems the general opinion. So without further ado, let�s look at what exactly bulbs are, before we go on to discuss the most popular garden bulbs.

In the most basic terms, a bulb is the repository of everything that a flower needs to bloom, as well all the material that a plant needs to grow. Now this is hardly the place for a full-scale lesson in botany, so I will just say that at the heart of the bulb are the leaves that surround the bud, as well as a white fleshy substance called scales, which contain food for the flower. Holding the scales is place is the basal plate, which also contains the roots. Protecting the entire package is a thin covering called the tunic.

I have kept things deliberately simple, but a garden bulb is really an extraordinary thing � all you need to do is to plant it in the ground at a certain time and water it regularly. If your soil is of the right variety, and if you don�t skimp on the water, you will have spectacular blooms emanating from your garden bulbs in no time.

For those waiting impatiently for the list of popular garden bulbs, just a few more words of advise: garden bulbs can generally be categorized into two groups: spring-flowering (planted in the fall) and summer-flowering (planted in spring). The most elementary difference between the two is that spring-flowering bulbs are tougher and more weather-resistant than summer-flowering bulbs. It figures, because since spring-flowering bulbs are planted in the fall, they must survive the winter. In fact, many spring-flowering bulbs can be left in the ground to flower by themselves season after season. In contrast, summer-flowering bulbs cannot survive winter conditions and thus must be planted in spring. To get these bulbs to flower perennially, store them indoors in winter.

Among the most loved spring-flowering garden bulbs are tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, crocuses, and irises, while popular summer-flowering bulbs include dahlias, anemones and begonias. But enough waffle, let�s cut to the chase and list the nine most popular garden bulbs, in the order I like!

Iris: Like everyone else, I love bearded irises more than any other variety, and I think their color combinations are completely unique. From experience, I have found that irises do best when planted in July-August in colder regions and September-October in slightly warmer areas. And for the best blooms, place a bulb at least two feet apart from another. Choose an area that receives a good deal of sunlight, and water the bulbs regularly.

Tulip: Hardy and spring flowering, tulips are one of the most distinctive flowers in the world. They bloom in mid to late spring, so they should be planted in the fall, and each bulb should be planted pretty deep. Also, leave adequate space between the planted bulbs.

Crocus: This is a plant that flowers both in early spring and in the fall, and flowers can sprout from the ground in as short a time as a few days once the bulbs are planted. For best results, you should plant the bulbs at least three inches deep and place them about four inches apart, in well-drained soil and in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight.

Gladiolas: The beautiful gladiolas bloom best when planted in spring, but only once the soil has warmed. They flourish in full sunlight and require regular watering regularly when they are growing.

Dahlias: Dahlias bloom from summer through the fall, and they are best planted in spring once the last frost has passed. Plant the bulbs about six inches deep with at least a foot between each for short varieties and about four feet for taller varieties. As usual, give them full sunlight and plenty of water.

Daffodils: As well as white and yellow varieties, daffodils can be orange, apricot, pink and cream. Daffodil bulbs should once again be planted pretty deep, spaced at least six inches apart, and be nurtured with full sunlight and regular watering.

Dutch Hyacinths: Dutch hyacinths bloom in spring, and as we know, the flowers are among the most fragrant. They also come in a wide variety of colors like red, pink, white, blue and purple. Dutch hyacinths grow best in colder regions, and can be perennial. Best planted in September-October, the bulbs should be about five inches below the surface, spaced four to five inches apart, and given full sunlight and lots of water.

Snowdrops: These are one of the first flowers to bloom after winter, and they do very well in colder areas. Best planted in the fall, the bulbs should be about four inches deep and four apart. Full sun is good, but partial shade will do. Don�t forget the regular watering.

Daylilies: These flowers can range in size from three to eight inches, and come in various colors. Best planted in the fall or early spring, the bulbs should be only � inch-1 inch under the surface and spaced about two inches apart. Regular watering, once again, is important.