By Mary Jo Baur
As you may have noticed, you can order bulbs through Brent and Becky's (see link on sidebar) and help out Dracut Garden Club.
How do you recognize top quality tulip, daffodil, or even the smaller bulbs of grape muscari or crocuses? You should look for bulbs that are blemish free, that have no mold or soft spots. They should feel heavy in your hand and be large. Look for the designation "top size." When purchasing daff bulbs, they sometimes are "double-nosed." That means that next spring you will have 2 plants with 2 separate flower stems. Sometimes you may even see daff bulbs with 3 parts to them, but sometimes the smaller parts will not produce flowers next spring, but may the following year.
Most bulbs will have a thin, dry layer covering them called a tunic. This helps keep the bulbs from drying out while in storage. When you plant your bulbs, keep in mind, pointed side facing up and the flatter side, called the basal plate from where the roots will emerge, facing down. It's a good idea to add some bulb fertilizer to the hole or area when you plant in the fall. This gives the bulbs some extra nourishment for developing a good root system. Work the fetilizer into the soil at the bottom of the hole and make sure that the bottom of the bulb is in firm contact with the soil. And remember to water them after planting. Following these guidelines should result in lovely tulips and daffs next spring.
I just placed a bulb order by clicking on the words "Brent & Becky's Bulbs" on the sidebar, right. It was easy. I chose "Dracut Garden Club" on the menu of organizations to support, clicked "Go," and went shopping!
ReplyDeleteAt first on the shopping page, it looked as though there were not many choices; but I learned that if I clicked on a photo, other choices appeared.
Have fun bulb shopping, everyone!