HO-86
YARD AND GARDEN
HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE PURDUE UNIVERSITY WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA 47907
FLOWERING BULBS 
Ruth Kvaalen and Juliann Chamberlain, Extension assistants in horticulture
Few home gardeners realize the potential of the multitude of flowering bulbs which can brighten the home landscape. The variety of bloom type and size, the range of color, the long sequence of bloom and their total complimentary effect on the landscape are unequalled by another class of flowers. Most gardeners think of lilies, tulips, hyacinths and narcissus whenever the term “bulb” is mentioned. But as you will see by reading this publication, there are an almost unending array of bulbs. For purposes of classification, the term bulb will be used hereafter to refer to all corms, tubers, and rhizomes handled in the dormant condition.
By following a carefully planned schedule, a homeowner can have flowering bulbs in the garden before the last snow falls in the spring up to the first snow in the fall. Bulbs require little total garden area and can usually be planted in annual and perennial flower beds, among shrubs, under trees, and practically in every nook of the landscape plan. While some bulbs are more expensive than others, you should also consider their permanence and fast multiplication.

When to Plant
Bulbs are generally planted in the spring or fall, depending upon the specific bulb. The more commonly known bulbs will be available at local garden centers at the proper time. The others will have to be ordered from specific mail order sources, which will send them at the proper planting time. Hardy bulbs survive winters in the ground and may be left in place throughout the year. Tender bulbs must be lifted after the growing season and stored indoors.
Tulip, narcissus, and other bulbs which have a protective covering of dry scales can be stored for several months. However, fleshy bulbs and roots should be planted as soon after purchase or delivery as possible.
If you have received a pot of flowering bulbs as an indoor plant, be sure to allow the foliage to remain green until it naturally dies back (usually in 5-6 weeks). These plants should be placed in a well-lighted location and fertilized like any other indoor house plant. When the foliage dies, plant outside in the desired location. These bulbs seldom bloom well after the first year.

Buying Bulbs
Be sure to buy your bulbs from reputable businesses, either local or catalog sources. Order bulbs early from catalog sources, and make your selections at local sources as soon as the bulbs are offered for sale. Select large, firm, plump bulbs or roots. Do not purchaseany that are bruised, blemished, or soft.

Soil Preparation
Nothing will cause bulbs to deteriorate so quickly as poorly drained soil. Most bulbs prefer a well-drained, sandy loam soil, ideally with moderate amounts of organic matter.
Often the drainage can be improved by breaking up the subsoil with a pickax. This breakage allows the water to percolate through the lower soil layers. If the planting area is naturally low, then raise the entire bed 2-3 inches above the average soil level. The incorporation of 2 inches of sand will be beneficial if the soil is highly clay. The sand not only raises the soil level, but promotes better root growth because of improved aeration and drainage.