Getting started
Growing bulbs is easy; generally all they need is fertile, free draining soil and plenty of sun. Bulbs thrive in pots and containers too.
Early autumn is a great time to look for bulbs at garden centres. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, freesias and many more are available at this time.
Make sure to check plant labels, as growing requirements and times can vary.

Preparation
Dust bulbs lightly with Tui Mite & Mildew Control before planting and storing to help prevent bacteria, powdery mildew and mite infestation. Bulb dusting also has the effect of promoting plant growth and frost hardiness.
Next, dig Tui Bulb Food into the soil prior to planting. This will enhance the health and vigour of all types of bulbs and stimulate maximum flowering.

Planting
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. Failure of bulbs can be due to planting too shallow.
Top up your bulb planting with soil – Tui Garden Mix is great for giving garden beds a boost. Once planted water in well and keep the area weed free.

Use the same method for planting in containers. Choose pots and containers with good drainage. Fill the container with Tui All Purpose Potting Mix and place bulbs at least twice the bulb width from each other. Cover with soil and wait for signs of life.
If you’re planting containers in early autumn you can plant winter potted colour on top of your bulbs, such as polyanthus, pansies & violas so it doesn’t look empty they will flower in the cooler months.
You can also plant bulbs under deciduous trees or in lawns.

Maintenance
Many bulbs can stay in the ground for years with new bulbs forming from the parent plant each season. Daffodils are like this and will naturalise readily. You can either plant in a bulb basket to prevent this or you can lift and divide bulbs every few seasons so they don’t overcrowd. Remove the dead foliage and store in a cool dry place until the next season for planting

Fertilising
Feed bulbs with Tui Bulb Food at planting stage, when stems appear, when starting to flower and when they are dying down for a bright display of colour.
Avoid direct contact with bulbs and bulb food to prevent burning.
Leaving the foliage to fall away naturally after flowering will help the bulb store food for the following season.