Bulbs

Bulbs are actually the modified stems of perennial monocotyledons*.

​These plants have evolved to store food reserves in a globe-shaped underground bud that is protected with overlapping, expanded leaf bases. Some bulb plants, such as onion and garlic, have a papery protective layer over these underground leaves, while scaly bulbs, such as the lily, have no protective layer. Bulbs can be as tiny as a pea or as heavy as 15 pounds!

Bulbs remain dormant during inhospitable months, usually winter. When more favorable weather  occurs, bulbs send shoots upward to absorb the sun’s energy. As photosynthesis occurs, the bulb is able to produce flowers and then to begin storing food for its next dormant season. Once established, bulbs can provide years of low-maintenance beautiful flowers.

Tulips, hyacinth and narcissus are the most productive spring bulbs, providing rampant color and/or scent to the garden or window sill. Lilies tend to be later bloomers, adding their color to the summer palette. You can also plant edible bulbs, such as onion, garlic, shallots, leeks, chives, or fennel for fresh, delicious additions to your dinner table.     

Berry Darling tulip

Bulbs are planted at different times of the year, depending on where you live and the expected bloom time. For example, fall blooming bulbs are planted in spring, and vice versa. Follow these steps to ensure the long term survival and overall health of your new bulbs:

1. Dig holes that are three times as deep as the size of the bulb
2. Add compost or regular soil plus one tablespoon of fertilizer that is high in potassium and phosphorous
3. Use soil or compost to bring the hole depth to the specific variety’s recommended planting depth
4. Place bulbs with the pointed end up and cover loosely with soil
5. Water thoroughly, but do not allow the soil to remain soggy, as the bulbs will rot
6. After blooms are spent, they can be removed, but allow the bulb to reabsorb nutrients from the leaves before removing them.

*The only exception is a few varieties of Oxalis, which are dicotyledons.