Ornamental bulb plants, commonly known as flower bulbs, are charming plants that are admired by gardeners. They owe their popularity to their vivid colours and the magnificent scents they excrete. Parallel leaf venation and limited branching of the overground shoots are characteristic for this group of plants. The majority of bulbous flowering plants bloom in the summer, although there are some cultivars that produce blooms in spring and autumn. Flower bulbs, in general, belong to perennial plants, but they might not survive Central European winters.
Flower bulbs’ requirements
It is impossible to unambiguously determine flower bulbs’ requirements since every species presents its own demands. The majority of these, however, prefer permeable, aerated and loose soils. They do not stand loamy and clay soils, because low oxygen content causes the bulbs to rot. Some plants are made for sunny gardens, while the others would thrive in shady spots.
Flower bulbs grow best in soils with 3 – 7% humus content that have a neutral or slightly acidic reaction between 6.5 and 7.5 pH. It is particularly important to provide them with high groundwater level or to water them regularly.
Where to plant flower bulbs?
You may choose different locations for bulbs’ cultivation. They are perfect for colourful perennial borders, but daffodils and grape hyacinths may also be planted under trees and shrubs, while hyacinths and snowdrops would splendidly complement rock gardens. If you wish to plant flower bulbs on a lawn, please remember not to mow the grass for six weeks after the flowers have wilted. Cutting off the nourishing leaves may cause the bulbs to die back. Some bulbs may also be grown in pots.
Planting flower bulbs
Start with choosing the right bulbs. Make sure that the ones that you buy are large and firm. Young and smaller bulbs would need time to develop. You should also avoid bulbs that start to rot or are damaged.
Flower bulbs should be planted from the end of summer until November unless strong frosts come up earlier. We advise planting tulips and hyacinths only at the end of September to prevent the bulbs from rotting. The plants that make it through the winter would bloom in spring.
Proper planting of the flower bulbs requires some skill from the gardeners. Bulbs need to be placed into the soil at the depth equalling twice their height. Special wire or plastic baskets present a convenient opportunity for the less experienced gardeners. You would be able to plant a dozen bulbs at the same time with them. They also offer protection from the rodents and help the plants grow quicker. Prepare holes deep and broad enough so that the bulbs would not touch. Please remember to aerate the soil at the bottom of the hole.
It is recommended to plant flower bulbs in groupings, a few or even a dozen plants at one site. You will achieve an interesting, natural look by throwing the bulbs around and planting them right there where they have fallen. Good flower bulbs you can buy here.