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Bulbs Introduction
There are various forms of bulbs, the main ones being ‘true bulbs’, corms,
tubers and rhizomes
A true bulb is made up of fleshy scales which contain the nutrients which
sustain the plant during its dormancy. Most bulbs have a papery skin but some
such as the lily do not and need handling more carefully.
A corm will mostly have a protective fibrous cover, the nutrient holding body is
in the base of the stem. A corm also only lasts a year as when the food store
is depleted the corm starts to shrivel but this happens as new corms begin to
develop on the existing one, these then form the next year’s planting material.
A tuber is a swollen stem, there is no standard shape but they are usually
knobbly. Most types of tuber grow with the plant but others can diminish in
size.
A rhizome differs from the others as it grows spreading horizontally outwards
towards the soils surface, roots develop on the underside of the rhizome and
the main growing point is at the tip. Rhizomes are easy to propagate as they
can be cut into segments for planting.
Bulbs Planting
Most autumn bulbs will need little attention mainly relying on merely a healthy
bulb and correct planting. Soil should be moderately fertile and for the
majority of bulbs neutral to slightly alkaline, good drainage is also needed as
they may tend to rot during dormant periods. In general the planting depth
should be 2-3 times the bulbs height and spaced the same for its width. Summer
flowering bulbs should be planted by mid to late spring. As the majority of
these are not perennial they must be lifted and stored either indoors or in a
greenhouse.
Bulbs Lifting
When all the leaves have turned yellow lift the bulbs with a fork, clean off
soil and remove all dying foliage. Discard any damaged or diseased bulbs and
leave to dry overnight. Place in carefully labelled paper bags and store
indoors or in a greenhouse until the next planting.
Bulbs Varieties
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Allium
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Otherwise known as the flowering onion, this is a robust
perennial with long lasting blooms, flower heads lasting at least a month. It
will do best planted in a sunny position. |
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Fritillaria
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A true bulb which produces bell-like blooms which generally
hang downwards. The two most popular are the Snakes-Head and Crown Imperial. |
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Galanthus
(Snowdrops)
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Better known as the snowdrop it is recognisable by its white
perfect bell-like flowers. Flowering in January to February these are best
planted soon after purchase. |
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Hyacinth
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Hyacinths ( Indoors ) Ideal for a spring flowering indoor
plant they produce clusters of flowers and give off a beautiful fragrance.
Hyacinths can be forced by keeping in the dark until shoots appear, they can
then be moved on to a shady cool spot a |
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Iris
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Easily recognisable the crocus can be grown in rockeries,
under trees and in beds and borders, usually in a mixture of purple and yellow
their upright goblet shaped petals make a fine display. |
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Narcissus & Daffodils
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This family includes the trumpet daffodil, our most popular
spring flower. There are many varieties growing between 6 inches to 2 feet.
These bulbs are an essential for every spring garden and need little tending |
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Tulips
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Coming a close second in popularity to the daffodil, the tulip
also has many varieties and is also easy to care for. The bowl-shaped flowers
look good both in the garden and containers. |
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