Factors to consider when planning and designing the garden and landscape

• Temperature - Planning for each bulb species must be specific for each North American Climatic Zone.
• Select bulbs for desired flowering periods and plant heights (See Tables 1 and 2 and References).
• Select or construct a well drained planting site. Many can be used as container plants (Table 2).
• Depending on the species and climatic zone, plant bulbs using optimum light conditions (Table 2).

Before planting and overwintering, store bulbs in an ethylene-free area.

Planting Guidelines

• Be certain the planting area is well drained!
• Soil pH should be 6 to 7, but it can range from 5.3 to 7.5.
• Plant at optimum time, in fall or spring, for each climatic zone and bulb species.
• Plant bulbs at proper depth (See Table 1). Generally, they are:
• Large circumference bulbs are 8 inches (20 cm) to base.
• Small circumference bulbs are 5 inches (12.5 cm) to base.
• Space bulbs for desired design effect. When only small bulb numbers are used, most should be clumped for maximum effect.
• Fertilize newly planted area. Two systems are available. They are:
  • Bulb Booster™ - In late spring, use one rounded tablespoon per square foot (4 pounds/100 square feet).
  • Soluble NPK Fertilizers - Fertilize monthly from shoot emergence to flowering with either 8-8-8 using 1 level tablespoon per square foot or 10-10-10 using 1 rounded teaspoon per square foot (3 pounds/100 square feet).
• If required, water the planted area.
• Mulch planted area. Organic mulches can compensate for planting depth, e.g., plant large circumference bulbs 4 inches (10 cm) deep and use 4 inches (10 cm) of mulch.

Seasonal Management of Flower Bulbs that Perennialize

• Yearly fertilization of planted area.
  • Bulb Booster™ - Every spring.
  • Soluble NPK Fertilizer - Monthly from shoot emergence to flowering.
• Monitor plants for development of serious diseases and insects. Use an IPM approach.
• As the plants flower, remove all senescing (dying) flower heads.
• For most summer and fall flowering bulbs, allow the foliage to senesce (die) naturally until frost occurs. This promotes bulb growth for flowering in the subsequent year.
• When not hardy in climatic zone, lift bulbs carefully and store properly.