- Unpack the flower bulbs straight away on arrival and check the quality.
- Keep the bulbs in a cool (no warmer than 17°C), dry and dark place and ensure adequate ventilation until the time of planting.
- Plant your flower bulbs and tubers as soon as possible after delivery.
- Plant summer flowering bulbs and tubers AFTER the last frost date in your area.
- Quality bulbs and well drained soil are the two most important ingredients to successful flowering bulbs, tubers, corms and perennials.
- Summer bulbs require a great deal of water immediately after planting. The soil in your garden should be continually moist.
- Sprouting is healthy; plants are anxious to get into the ground again.
- Maintain a pH level of 6 to 7 to bring out the true colour of the flowers.
- Additional fertilizer is not necessary for flower bulbs and tubers.
- Many flower bulbs and tubers are well suited for patio containers and should be planted closer for a full look.
- A variety of flower bulbs make great cut flowers. Some of the taller varieties may require staking.
- You may need to lift your summer flowering bulbs and tubers in the Fall and replant next Spring. Shake off any soil and air dry for several days before storing in a cool, dry, well ventilated location. Do not store in plastic; plants need to breathe.
Plant the bulbs at the right time
For example Tulips, Narcissi and Daffoldils, Hyacinths, Muscari, Cocuses and many more.
These bulbs need a cold period to be able to flower: they can be planted from September to December (depending on temperature).
For example Dahlias, Gladioli, Lilies, Anemones, Calla lilies, Begonias, Perennials and many more.
These bulbs are usually planted in April or May. Important is that the bulbs will be planted after the last frost date in your area. The ideal soil temperature for summer flowering bulbs, tubers, cormn and plants is approx 13 degrees.
Flower bulbs planting depth and spacing
There is a mnemonic bridge to remember how deep and how far apart you need to plant the flower bulbs. For the planting distance keep 3x the width of the bulb and keep 3x the height of the bulb before planting. A tulip of 5 centimeters must therefore be planted 15 centimeters deep and 15 cm apart.
Exceptions are begonias and dahlias, which have to be planted just under the surface.
Exceptions are begonias and dahlias, which have to be planted just under the surface.