Spring Flowering Bulbs

for diseases and this condition encourages rooting. Keep the bulbs cool before planting (50-65 degrees F).
Properly preparing the soil is important, since good drainage is essential for bulbs. If the soil is mostly clay, mix in an organic amendment such as compost, peat moss or aged bark up to 50% in volume or plant in raised beds. The organic material should be worked in the top twelve inches of soil. Soil pH is critical and should be in the 6-7range. If you need assistance in this area, contact your county extension office.
Fertilization improves bulb performance and encourages flowering for several years without replacing or dividing. Bulbs need phosphorous to encourage root development. The phosphorus needs to be mixed in the soil below the roots. Bone meal and super-phosphate are good sources of phosphorous. Every fall, spring flowering bulbs should have five tablespoons of 10-10-10 soluble fertilizer (or equivalent bulb fertilizer) plus two cups of bone meal per ten square foot area. Once the shoots break through the ground in the spring, repeat the above soluble fertilizer application. Don’t fertilize spring flowering bulbs after they have started flowering. This tends to encourage the development of bulb rot and sometimes shortens the life of the flowers.
The general rule of thumb for planting spring bulbs is to plant two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall. Most large bulbs like tulips or daffodils will be planted about 8 inches deep while smaller bulbs will be planted 3-4 inches deep. Planting depth is measured from the bottom of the bulb.
The best method of planting is to dig and loosen the entire bed to the proper depth. Because the soil in a spaded bed is better drained and prepared, the planting will last longer. This method of planting is preferred over trying to plant bulbs one by one with a bulb planter. In many soils bulb planters do not work well.
Watering the bulbs following planting will provide needed moisture for the bulbs ...

Many of us are accustomed to running out and buying flats of blooming annuals to create "instant flower gardens." Such last-minute approaches simply will not work when you want to grow spring-flowering bulbs. If you want beautiful beds of daffodils, crocus, tulips, hyacinths or Dutch iris in spring, you must plant the bulbs from mid October through December or until the ground is frozen. Spring flowering bulbs are those that generally bloom between February and April. Dickinson Garden Center’s spring flowering bulbs arrive in mid-September, however it is important to buy early to get the best selections!
When selecting bulbs, they should be firm. The size of the bulb and number of flowers are directly related. Small nicks and loose skins don’t affect bulb development. In fact, loose skins aid in inspecting