Sensational Spring Bulbs...

Bulbs are a wonderful way to give your garden a face lift after a long winter. They spring up just as the weather is changing from cold to warm, no other group of plants can provide such a display of colour with such ease. Most planted bulbs improve with age and require very little care.

Bulbs can be planted from the end of January, through to Autumn. By planting continuously through this period, you will be rewarded with a continuous floral display.

What to plant when...

Early season (Jan - March)...

Anemones, Ranunculus, Daffodils, Earlicheer.

Mid Season (Feb - April)...

Daffodils, Freesias, Iris, Bluebells, Crocus, Grape Hyacinths, Lachenalias, Sparaxis, Tulips.

Late season (March - early June)...

Tulips and hyacinths. Also all of the ’mid season' bulbs can be planted at this time.

Getting your planting right...

Soil and food requirements...

Good drainage is the paramount soil requirement. Raise beds, or work in sand/pumice if drainage is poor. Work compost and bulb food into planting areas. Follow directions on fertiliser packaging to ensure correct timing and application rates. If bulbs are being grown in pots, use a formulated bulb potting mix for best results. Remember that pots dry out rapidly, and they may need to be watered frequently if the season is dry.
So you do not lose your bulbs in the garden it can often help to plant them in a bulb tray, simply sink this into the garden twice the depth

Diferent bulbs for diferent positions...

The following are successful in a full sun position: Anemones, Allium, Brodiaea, Freesia, Hyacinth, Ranunculus, Iris, Lachenalia, Sparaxis, and Daffodils.

The following are successful in a shady position: Anemones, Crocus, Hyacinth, Lachenalia, Scilla, and Tulips.

Planting...

Once you have established a free draining, fertile soil, checked the light requirements, and the time is right, bulbs can be planted. The general rule for planting depth is twice the diameter of the bulb. In heavier soils, plant the bulbs closer to the surface. See the planting guide below for more info. It is a good idea to mark where bulbs have been planted.

Bulb Pests...

Slugs and Snails are the main pest of bulbs. Bulbs especially need protection when the leaves are just emerging from the ground. Use a slug and snail bait to control this problem.

After Flowering...

Lift and store, bulbs should be left alone in the garden until their leaves have died off. Bulbs draw the nutrients from the leaves and store it in the bulb for next season. Removing leaves too early results in poor quality plants and flowers. Bulbs can be left in the ground for many years, and don't need to be lifted unless they become overcrowded. Tulips need to be lifted and should be stored in the fridge for about two months. All bulbs should be stored in a dark, dry, cool place.

Growing bulbs in pots...

Good potting mix is essential to grow bulbs in pots. Kings Potting Mix supplemented with a small application of bulb food, or a specially formulated bulb potting mix would be ideal. Smaller growing bulbs are fantastic in shallow bowls or troughs, however the larger growing bulbs like tulips or daffodils need to be in a deep containers. In order to get a longer flowering period out of your pots, plant the bulbs at varying depths. The bulbs planted deeper will emerge later, and therefore flower later than the bulbs planted at a shallow depth, extending the flowering period.


Hyacinths can be grown in Hyacinth glasses. Choose a large, healthy bulb and store it in a cool place. In April or May when temperatures begin to drop, fill the Hyacinth glass with water so that the base of the bulb does not make contact with the water. Place in a cool, dark, well ventilated position, checking the water level regularly. After 6-8 weeks the roots should have filled the glass, and the bulb is beginning to grow. Place in a cool room in you house, and watch the flower grow and colour up. After flowering, the bulb can be planted in the garden.

Gladioli...

Every year at Kings we get a lovely range of Gladioli bulbs whether you mass plant one colour or a mixed selection you will be pleased the result.

 

Choosing the right corms...

Always buy good quality corms which have a ’high crowned’ or a plump look to them, as these ones will have lots of stored energy. The corms should have skin peeled black to show a waxy surface. The waxy surface should be free of any black marks or spots.

Storage...

If not planting straight away be sure to store the corms in a cool dry air place to keep them in good condition. A paper or mesh bag is the ideal thing for storage.

Gladioli planting time...

Plant any time from July to December. Gladioli flower around 100 days after planting. By staggering your planting you can have flowers from November to April. Mass plantings really produces the best show. Mixed or single colour groups of 25 bulbs or more can really make a striking display.

Best Conditions...

Plant in full sun, they can tolerate a range of soil types but do prefer good drainage. A sheltered position is a good idea, as the plants may need to be tied back to a fence or frame for support from the wind.

Preparation for planting...

When planting turn the soil over to a depth of 20cm. Use a small amount of bulb Fertiliser. Never use animal based manures as they are high in ammonia and can encourage disease and rotting.

How to best plant...

Plant corms 15cm deep and 12cm apart in groups of 25 corms or more for good effect. Plant corms with the scar from last year roots facing downwards. During the growing season water well in dry periods, feed with Bulb feltiliser at the 50 day mark for plentiful flower development.

Care...

Sap sucking insects that are around in the summer like Thrips and Aphids can be a problem in the dry weather. Use Yates confidor for control of these insects.
Flowers can be cut for enjoyment inside. Try not to cut many leaves off as the plant needs them to grow and prepare for next season.

After flowering...

Corms should be lifted as soon as foliage turns yellow, cut the tops of the foliage off immediately, close to the corm. Leave them to dry in the sun. Remove the old roots when dry, in 2-3 weeks.

Tuberous Begonia...

These are beautiful large flowering corms that flower in the summer time. Many colours are available most with double ruffled flowers.
They like to grow in sheltered areas with semi-shade careful watering will be required to not let them dry out. They should be planted in early spring and dug up and dried over winter.
Generally the flowers are so heavy (due to their size) that they hang down. So it is the perfect thing to grow in a hanging basket.
TIP: Always pick off the "single" flowers to allow the "double" to flourish.