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Master Gardenersm Column for the Week of November 29, 2004
Charlie Spencer
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardenersm Volunteer

TIPS FOR PLANTING BULBS

It is time for planting spring-flowering bulbs. Following are some tips on more effectively utilizing bulbs.

Color Blocking: Grow your bulbs in plastic containers set in the ground of your garden. When spring arrives, remove the pots as the bulbs start to bloom and place them around your porch, patio, or deck. By using early-, mid-, and late-season blooming flowers, you will have a continuous show for a couple of months. Also, by planting in pots, you are protecting the bulbs from all the critters that really enjoy a feast of tulips, lilies, and crocuses. You do not have to bury your containers, just be sure if you are planting in pots that the bulbs are planted at the correct depth and the pots are large enough to provide winter protection.

Interplanting: To provide early color and also hide the plants after they have become yellowed and worn after flowering, interplanting is a great solution. Mix bulb plantings among shrubs, perennials, and ground covers to liven up drab areas. Remember, many bulbs will bloom in the spring sun before trees leaf out. Summer perennials and annuals mask the ugly dying foliage of bulbs. To hide dying bulb foliage, plant these sun perennials: rudbeckia, phlox, sedum, daylilies, coreopsis, salvias, Siberian iris, daisies, and verbena; or these part-shade perennials: hosta, hardy begonia, ferns, hellebores, bleeding heart, astilbe, and columbine.

Fertilization: Fertilization improves bulb performance! Newly planted bulbs will have improved quality. In addition, fertilization encourages bulbs to perennialize; that is, flower for several years without replacing or dividing the bulbs.

There are two fertilizer systems available for spring-flowering bulbs. The first system utilizes a single fall application at planting. You can purchase a sulfur-coated, slow-release complete fertilizer. This should be incorporated into the rooting area at planting at a rate of one rounded tablespoon per square foot. The second system uses bone meal incorporated in the rooting area at planting time with an application of 8-8-8 (one level tablespoon) or 10-10-10 (one rounded teaspoon) in the fall, followed by a repeat application of the same fertilizer as soon as you see shoots breaking the ground in the spring.

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Extension Master GardenersmVolunteer

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Date Created 11/24/2004