Daffodils & other spring bulbs for all locations

 

 

Now is the time to start thinking about planting bulbs for next spring. There are numerous ways of using bulbs of all kinds – flowerbeds , lawn, pots & containers or naturalised in a meadow ( for best most natural  looking results , scatter handfuls of bulbs and then plant exactly where they fell ). If the location you’re thinking of isn’t ready for planting now, think ahead and plant in pots. You can always replant the pots later when your preferred site is ready – that way your bulbs won’t be late or worse missing altogether!

Bulbs like to be in ground that is well drained so their roots are not sitting in water. If your soil is on the heavy/clay side you can lighten it with course sand/grit mixed with organic matter. Even if planting in pots or containers use some vermiculite or grit to lighten the compost and the use of some crocks at the end of the pot to assist drainage.
 

A general rule of thumb when planting bulbs is that you plant them 4 times their own size, i.e. a 1” bulb would need to be planted 4” deep. There are some exceptions – Madonna lilies ( Lilum Candidum ) require shallow planting.

Planting details on bag
 for various bulbs

There are generally very good instructions on bulb packets about planting requirements and even when buying loose bulbs information is often on the paper bags you receive them in, as I found during a recent purchase in a Garden Centre. When buying the bigger the bulb, of each variety, the bigger the flower produced. Also try to make sure bulbs bought are firm and free from any rot/mildew etc...




Bulbs also come in various amounts - depending on the quantity you require . From 25kg sacks to mixed packs in assorted matching colours . Spoilt for choice !

   

            

 

 

Most bulbs like full sun or light shade but there are bulbs for all occasions

·       Shade: Any of the woodland bulbs fall into this category – Dogs Tooth Violet (Erythronium dens-canis) and Wood Anemone (Anemone Nemorosa). Also Scilla peruviana, Scilla siberica, and Scilla bifolia would also do well. If you have a rich soil Fritillaria camschatcensis and Fritillaria imperialis love these conditions and will reward you with two very different displays.

·       Dry: ever wondered what to plant at the base of a hedge? Well , the following bulbs will not only flower in these conditions bit thrive and multiply – Anemone blanda, Chionodoxa forbesii and Tulip whattallii  

·       Damp: Now damp doesn’t mean water logged! Moist soil will provide the perfect habitat for Wild Hyacinth (Camassias ) Summer Snowflake ( Leucojums vernum ) and Snakes Head Fritillary ( Fritillaria meleagris )



       No matter what type of garden or soil type you have , or what kind of flowers you prefer , I hope I've encouraged you to plant some bulbs now so you can enjoy them later .

       With that in mind FLOWERS & FOLIAGE has 50 mixed daffadils to give away, 10 each to the first 5 emails requesting them - just put free bulbs into the subject line - to : info@flowersandfoliage.ie .

      Until next time , Happy Gardening .