Farm Scene for the Salisbury Post
Darrell Blackwelder
November 20, 2002

    There is still time left to plant bulbs for early spring color. Recent rains softened the soil so planting should be much easier than it would have been a few weeks ago. The most popular spring flowering bulbs are daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and crocus. These bloom from February until May, depending upon the bulb type, soil type and climatic conditions.
    Spring flowering bulbs should be planted when temperatures fall below 60. Cooler fall temperatures promote root development without top growth. Spring flower bulbs require a certain number of chilling hours below 40 degrees to initiate flowering, therefore it is important to get the bulbs into the soil in November to secure blooms in the spring.
    Bulbs are readily available at local garden shops and retail outlets throughout Salisbury and Rowan County. Select bulbs that are firm and heavy. Small nicks and loose skins do not affect the growth and development of the bulb. In fact, loose skins aids in inspection for diseases and other deformities.
    The size and number of blooms per bulb are directly related to the size of the bulb. Small, economy bulbs sold by the hundreds, are no bargain when small, less attractive blooms appear in the spring. Large, healthy bulbs produce large, showy blooms, but are not cheap. Gardeners may expect to pay nearly one dollar per bulb for good quality bulbs.
    Store the bulbs in a cool, dry location (55-60 degrees) before planting. Do not store bulbs in the refrigerator. Daffodil bulbs have similar appearance to onions and are very poisonous! Also, do not store the bulbs near ripening fruit. Apples and other tree fruits produce ethylene gas, a hormone that could alter the flowering process.
    Well drained soils are essential for adequate bulb growth. Avoid planting in poorly drained soils. Tight clay soils should be amended with top soil, ground bark or composted material worked into the soil. Raised beds that include good topsoil and soil amendments are excellent areas to plant bulbs.
Soil pH is an important factor in bulb growth and development. Bulbs grow best in soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A soil test may reveal the need for dolomitic lime to raise the pH of Rowan County's naturally acidic soils.
    The planting procedure in the fall is important for later spring performance. Small sized bulbs (1 inch in height) should be planted 4-5 inches deep. Larger bulbs (2 inches or more in height) should be planted 7-8 inches deep, with the depths measured from the base of the bulb to the soil line. Loosened the soil with a spade or tiller before planting. Large bulbs should be planted 3-6 inches apart; small bulbs 1-2 inches apart. Small and large bulb varieties can be inter-planted in an effort to create interest and extend the blooming period.
    Bone meal along with a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 should be mixed into the root zone at planting. Bone meal supplements the bulbs need for extra phosphorus necessary for root growth and flower development. Repeat the fertilization again on top of the soil in the spring as the bulbs break through the soil.
Cover the bulbs with half the soil backfill, water thoroughly and finish covering with remaining soil. Cover the planted bulbs with 2-3 inches of mulch to conserve water and reduce winter weed growth. Irrigation may be needed during winter droughts.
    Remove spent blooms with scissors or hand pruners and allow the foliage to die naturally. Do not cut or mow actively growing bulb foliage. The foliage produces food for next seasons' flower. Proper fertilization at planting and during the summer months is the key for a perennial show of flowers.

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com or e mail Darrell_blackwelder@ncsu.edu or phone at 704-633-0571.