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Master Gardenersm Column for the Week of October 10, 2005
Carol Weaver
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardenersm Volunteer

PURCHASING SPRING-FLOWERING BULBS

If you’d like to take advantage of the variety of spring-flowering bulbs available from catalog and on-line merchants, time is running out. If you plan to purchase your bulbs locally, you probably want to make the purchases soon after they arrive in the stores so you get the best selection and quality.

Take a walk around your garden and note any spots that would benefit by adding some spring color. Look in particular for areas where you can plant ten or more bulbs to make a splash in the spring. Single bulbs planted here and there will get lost in the landscape. More is better, especially if you plan to add the smaller bulbs, such as crocus or muscari, to your garden.

Now is a good time to take soil samples for testing. You can find out more about the process from the Master Gardener volunteers by calling (910) 253-2610. While you’re at it, observe whether any areas in which you plan to place your bulbs have poor drainage. You will need to either take steps to correct any drainage problem or select a better drained site.

Select bulb varieties and types based on desired color, bloom time, height, available sun or shade, and suitability for our climate. You can locate most of this information on the packaging or in catalog descriptions.

Once you have decided what species and cultivars you will add to your landscape, your most important selection criteria is size of bulb. Purchase Top Size or Grade A bulbs if you wish to be assured of flowers. Top Size means 12+ centimeters for tulips, 16+ cm for daffodils and 19+ cm for hyacinths. Large flowering crocus should be no smaller than 9 cm and specie crocus, 5 cm. Beware of vendors who do not provide grading or size information.

Small nicks and loose skin (called the tunic) do not affect development of the bulb. Select only bulbs that are solid and heavy. Avoid purchasing any that have mold, are mushy, or show signs of rot.

Go ahead and make plans now for planting in November. If your bulbs arrive before planting time, store them at 50 – 65o until you can safely place them in the ground. Be certain, however, to separate them from ripening fruits, which produce ethylene, a chemical that will inhibit or event prevent flowering.

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 10/6/2005