Bulbs Grow Guide

As summer starts to ease its time think about bulbs – tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, freesias and many more. Mother nature is a great planner and she has taught us that Autumn is the time to plant and feed spring flowering bulbs.

Growing bulbs is easy; generally all they need is a good fertile, free draining soil and plenty of sun. Bulbs thrive in pots and containers too.
The best selection of bulbs will be available in garden centres from mid February through to the end of March. Most bulbs should be pre-chilled in your fridge until the desired planting time. Lilies and dahlias are the exception. Plant out once the soil temperature drops or daylight saving ends. Most bulbs need plenty of sun to flower well. Some varieties, such as bluebells, like part shade.

Bulbs in the garden
Improve heavy or dry sandy soil soil by adding Tui Organic Compost with added gypsum and blood and bone. Apply Tui Bulb Food, it has all the necessary nutrients to promote the growth and flowering potential of all bulb types. Apply around 1 handful per square metre and dig into the soil.

Plant your bulb twice as deep as the width of the bulb. For example if your bulb is 2.5cm wide then plant it 5cm deep. Once planted water in well and keep the area weed free. Wait patiently for the late winter signs that spring is on its way and your bulbs pop through the soil.

Bulbs in containers
When planting in containers the same principles apply – choose a spot that gets plenty of sun and a container that has good drainage. Critical to growing bulbs successfully in containers is using the correct potting mix. Debco Bulb Mixture has the right balance of nutrients, which will promote better flowering; trichoderma, which prevents bulb rot, and Saturaid, which prevents water logging.

Fill your container with Debco Bulb Mixture and place bulbs evenly throughout the container. Be careful that the bulbs do not touch each other, or the walls of the container. Once planted, settle the mixture by gently tapping the bottom of the container on the ground and water well.
Plant other flowers in the top of your container such as polyanthus, pansies and violas. These annuals flower in the cooler months and will extend your flowering season.

Maintenance
Maintain moisture while the bulbs are growing. Once flowering is complete and the leaves begin to yellow and collapse, move the pot to a less obvious location and gradually reduce the amount of watering. Once leaves die down, remove bulbs and store in a warm, dry place for planting the following season.