BULBS FOR CHICAGOLAND

Choosing Bulbs

Pasquesi Home & Gardens stocks a wide range of hardy bulbs. They are selected carefully for quality to ensure their survival through a Chicago winter. Bulbs should be chosen as early as possible in time for fall planting. They will begin producing roots and shoots immediately under the surface through the winter.

Remember to:

• select different blooming times - to create a blooming sequence
• select various heights - plant small bulbs at the front of the garden and tall bulbs at the back
• purchase bulbs in quantities of five to 10. They should be planted in clumps or drifts to give a full look to the garden

Storing Bulbs

If bulbs are not planted immediately, ensure they are stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from rodents. The constant, cool temperature of a refrigerator is ideal. Bulbs should be kept in a paper bag, away from ripening fruit which gives off bulb-damaging ethylene gas.

Planting Bulbs

Well-drained soil, mixed with peat, is the ideal growing medium for bulbs. Work compost, or organic matter, into clay soil to loosen it. Spread fertilizer over the soil to be worked in while planting.

Any area of the garden that remains wet for long periods after rain, or has standing water for any length of time, is unsuitable for bulbs. Also, choose an area in sunlight - the brighter the better.

Bulbs should be planted at various depths and intervals. Usually, larger bulbs such as alliums, hyacinths, narcissi (daffodils), and tulips are planted about four to six inches apart and eight inches deep. Smaller bulbs such as crocuses, glories-of-the-snow, and grape hyacinths are planted about one to two inches apart, and four inches deep.

Space is a matter of preference depending on the show and blooming sequence required.

Bulbs should be planted by mid-October. For large bulbs, dig to a depth of approximately 12 inches, and return four inches of loose soil to act as a water reservoir. Randomly place bulbs in the hole, remembering that they do not have to be facing upwards (see below), and cover with the remaining soil. To help keep the temperature consistent and ward off preying rodents and deer, cover with two inches of mulch or straw. Water well. Remember to fertilize in early spring before sprouting begins.

How to Create a Blooming Sequence

The key to a successful garden is to extend the blooming time from early spring to late fall. Bulb gardens bloom at different times depending on type of bulb, site, weather conditions, soil type and location. Generally, bulbs such as crocuses, tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and bearded irises will bloom in early spring along with early perennials and annuals. Cannas, begonias and dahlias will bloom during mid-summer, and gladioli bulbs will bloom during late summer.

Blooming stages depend on the depth and positioning of bulbs, as well.

Generally, bulbs on a south-facing hillside or on the south side of a building that catches and reflects heat will bloom earlier. Gardens near Lake Michigan may bloom later than gardens further west.

Planting different varieties of bulbs will enrich the blooming sequence. For instance, Red Emperor tulips will bloom in early spring, followed by Golden Oxfords and Pink Impressions, and Blue Aimable tulips will bloom in late spring.

Contrary to popular belief, bulbs may be planted sideways and upside-down as well as upright. Buds of bulbs planted upright will be the first to appear, followed by buds of bulbs planted sideways a day or two later (the stem makes a hook turn to turn towards the sun). Finally, bulbs planted upside down will follow in another day or so when the stem has completed a U-turn to reach up to the sun.

Caring for Bulbs

To ensure flowering each year, water bulbs well when they are planted and during the growing season. Spread fertilizer on the bed and dig it into the ground during planting. A second application of fertilizer should be made when the leaves begin to emerge in the spring. Pasquesi Home & Gardens recommends Holland Bulb Booster.

Deadhead the flower's seed pod when the flower petals begin to fail. This will channel the plant's energy back into the bulb, producing a hardy bulb and beautiful flower for the following spring. Leaves should be left to yellow and die, to help reverse the energy flow. To keep garden beds tidy, many gardeners roll the dying leaves into a ball and fasten with an elastic band. Remove the leaves when they pull easily from the ground without disturbing the bulbs.

After several years, bulbs such as daffodils may become overcrowded. Fewer, inferior flowers are symptoms of overcrowding. The remedy is to dig bulbs up as soon as the foliage turns yellow and thin them out.

Also, Pasquesi Home & Gardens is a complete resource for gardening, home and pet supplies. There are hundreds of beautiful accents for the home and out-of-doors, and Pasquesi Home & Gardens has an unrivaled collection of containers for indoors and outdoors in many different styles, materials and shapes. Both stores carry a wide range of quality garden tools and outdoor furniture.