Bulbs Seasonal Calendar
Bulbs are very versatile and easy to grow, bringing color and joy to spaces. In this bulbs seasonal calendar, we will detail the tasks of an entire year of growing this type of plant.
In this article
Autumn
Yes, it can be said that the bulb year begins in the autumn. It is at this time of year that we buy and plant the bulbs that will bloom the following spring.
Prepare the soil of the beds for planting. Dig the compact soil and add gravel or coarse sand to improve drainage. You can also incorporate organic matter into the soil and a generic fertilizer.
If you are going to plant in a pot, prepare a compost rich in organic matter but that drains well. To do this, you must also mix coarse sand or gravel.
Plant the bulbs you buy as soon as possible. Bulbs such as daffodils can start to take root in late summer. As a general rule, bury the bulb at a depth of about 3 times its size.
Mark the planting location with labels to remember the bulbs you planted in each position or pot.
At this time of the year, gladioli and dahlias that are now dormant should be lifted off the ground and stored for winter. Dry and clean them before storing in a dark, cool and dry place.
Winter
In mixed beds, where you have planted bulbs, remove the old foliage from other plants that can prevent the bulbs from growing.
Don’t let the rain keep the pots constantly soaked.
Check the bulbs you have stored and throw away bulbs that are rotting or have fungi to prevent them from contaminating others.
At this time of year, bulbs that bloom in late summer are bought.
Sow bulbs in a compost that drains well and cover the seeds with about 5mm of sand. Place the tray in an airy and sheltered place.
Spring
Spring bulbs show their beauty at this time of year. Keep the plants watered, you should pay particular attention to the pots.
Cut the flowers that are finished (deadheading) so that the energy of the plant is concentrated in the bulb and not in the production of seeds.
Even after flowering, let the plant’s foliage feed the bulb and don’t cut it. Only after they are yellow and drying should you cut it and raise the bulb.
Do not forget to apply fertilizer in the period after flowering so that the plant has the necessary nutrients to form reserves in the bulb.
Plant bulbs that you have bought already grown and water them. Galanthus and Leucojum purchased must be planted immediately and watered.
Keep an eye out for mold growth and use a fungicide if necessary.
In places that are more exposed to the wind, stake out the taller bulbous plants like the lilies and Fritillaria.
From the middle of spring you can plant delicate bulbs such as gladioli and begonias.
Summer
In summer, lift and store the dry bulbs from plants that bloomed in the spring and have now gone to dormancy.
Collect seeds and store them dry in paper bags in a cool, dry place. Write the name of the plant on the package.
Keep beds clean of old leaves that can help the spread of disease.
Rake the bed and apply organic compost so that the bulbs are not exposed. Thus, avoiding being eaten by animals or that insects can lay their eggs there.
Plant autumn flowering bulbs grown in pots in the spaces left free to complete the bed.
Put stakes or other supports on dahlias and gladioli because they can easily fall in the wind or ina a summer rain.
Take note of what worked this year and plan the planting that will restart next season.
Did you like our bulbs seasonal calendar?