ABOUT SPRING BLOOMING BULBS

One of the greatest delights in the gardening season comes the day the first spring bulbs push their green tips through early spring snow. A little preparation and careful planning in the fall will provide gardeners with many vibrant and colorful rewards come early March.

Also see Spring Blooming Bulbs for names and information about specific bulbs.

Bulb Selection and Care

• Begin shopping for bulbs in autumn. Remember:
• Bulbs should be plump, firm, and dense.
• Choose bulbs that feel heavy relative to their size.
• The bigger the better.
• Avoid choosing bulbs with deep cuts, mold or bruising.

There are different kinds of bulbs that gardeners should be aware of when planning gardens. Naturalizing bulbs will multiply and bloom for years in the same location. Perennializing bulbs remain in a location for many years but do not multiply well. Other bulbs appear well for a couple seasons and then begin fading. Keeping track of these variations helps to plan for the space needed for added growth and time span of a planting of bulbs.

Storing Bulbs

Store bulbs in a cool and dry place such as a dark cupboard or garage until the appropriate time for planting. Carefully examine all of them before storage. Keep bags and boxes open to increase air circulation. Avoid storing near sources of heat as this will dry bulbs and may damage next spring's flower. Keep bulbs 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 or other hard soils. Spread fertilizer such as Holland Bulb Fertilizer over the soil and work it in during 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. Choose areas that get plenty of sunlight - the brighter the better.

Bulbs should be planted at various depths and intervals. Refer to the chart below for specific information.

For best results, bulbs should be planted by mid-October to establish themselves in warm ground. After that, plant bulbs an additional one to two inches deeper than the depths listed. When making holes for bulbs, dig four inches deeper down, returning this now-loosened soil to serve as a water reservoir. Bulbs do not have to face upwards. To help keep temperature consistent and ward off preying deer and rodents, cover the ground with two inches of mulch or straw. Remember to fertilize in early spring before sprouting begins.

In the spring, once the bloom has withered or when flower petals fall, the flower should be deadheaded. To foster the production of a new bulb, the foliage should be left on for about six weeks until it withers or yellows. Premature removal of foliage often results in poor blooming in the following season.

Pasquesi Home and Gardens stocks a wide range of spring blooming bulbs that are usually available in late August. Check stores for availability.

Pasquesi Home and Gardens is Chicagoland's premier resource for gardeners wanting to create a perfect atmosphere. We have a vast selection of plants, many of them rare and unusual. Our qualified, professional staff is ever-willing to share their knowledge with customers needing advice.

Pasquesi Home and 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 and 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.