Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001611
11/12/99
Planting Hardy Bulbs
Bulbs, not planted immediately after purchase, are stored
in a cool dry area at a temperature between 60 and 65
degrees. Temperatures above 70 may injure the flower bud
already formed in the bulb.
Hardy bulbs are planted early enough in the fall so roots
develop before the ground freezes. Plant in full sunshine
as flowering is best with eight to ten hours of direct sun
daily. Bulbs planted next to a south facing wall bloom
earlier than bulbs planted next to a north facing wall.
Where drainage is poor, add organic matter to the soil.
To plant large numbers of bulbs, excavate the entire area
to be planted. Remove soil from the entire bed to the
proper planting depth. Work the soil at the bottom of
the planting area so bulb roots can penetrate easily.
Before planting, work in one pound of 5-10-5 fertilizer
per 50 square feet of bed. Do not use a high nitrogen
fertilizer as it may cause the bulbs to rot.
Plant the bulbs at the recommended depths. In sandy soil,
they can be planted deeper. Set bulbs into the soil and
push them down gently to eliminate air pockets under the
bulb. The basal plate at the bottom of the bulb injured
by pushing too hard. This type of injury reduces rooting.
Set bulbs at proper spacings.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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