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 Spring flowering bulbs need 12 to 15 weeks of
temperatures between 35 and 45 degrees to initiate flowering. This
happens naturally in areas with cold winters. Bulbs are planted in
the fall, receive the chill they need, and add welcome color to the
spring garden.
Those in warmer climates, typically zones 8, 9 and 10, need a
different approach. In those areas, low chill bulbs that don’t need
as long a cold period or pre-cooled bulbs are grown. The pre-cooled
bulbs also sold as pre-chilled, have received the needed cold period
and can be grown like annuals.
No matter where you garden, spring flowering bulbs can be chilled in
a spare refrigerator. Keep bulbs away from apples and pears. These
fruits give off ethylene gas, a natural hormone that does not harm
people, but can hasten ripening and interfere with flowering when
bulbs are stored in the same refrigerator compartment. Check the
pots occasionally and water when needed to keep the soil slightly
moist, but not soggy wet.
Some friends and family may appreciate a DIY bulb forcing kit as
their gift. Spring flowering bulbs, potting mix, and a container
with drainage holes are all that is needed. Provide directions for
assembly, suggestions for providing the cold treatment if needed and
proper care.
Others may prefer a gift that requires minimal care like Gardener’s
Supply Company’s Months of Bloom. Order once and these pre-planted
bulb gardens are delivered to the recipient monthly for 3, 6 or 12
months. Just water when the potting mix starts to dry and enjoy
watching the spring flowering bulbs sprout, grow and flower.
Keep spring flowering bulb gardens in a cool, bright location to
extend their bloom time. Once the plants are done blooming, you can
add them to the compost pile.
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For those that prefer to enjoy them a second season
and beyond, provide some post-flowering care. Remove the faded
flowers and move the container to a sunny window. Keep watering
thoroughly whenever the top few inches of soil begin to dry. Pour
off any excess water that collects in the saucer to prevent root rot
and apply a dilute solution of any flowering houseplant fertilizer.
Once the leaves turn yellow and die or the soil in
the garden warms and the danger of frost has passed, you can move
them into the garden. Tulips and hyacinths perform best in sunny
areas with well-drained soils. These two bulbs tend to flourish for
a year or two and then produce few or no flowers. Keep that in mind
as you plan for the future.
Daffodils and grape hyacinths will grow in sun or shade and a
variety of soil types. These tend to be long lived as they grow and
spread over time.
It may be two years before you have flowers but it’s a great way to
extend the enjoyment of a holiday gift.
Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books,
including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to
Grow Anything” DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio
program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds &
Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Gardener’s Supply for her
expertise to write this article. Her web site is
www.MelindaMyers.com.
[Photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply
Company/gardeners.com]
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