I accidently threw out the directions-I know I have to plant them before frost- but which way is up and should I soak them first? how deep do I plant them?
2006-09-26 13:40:32 · 4 answers · asked by cassiepiehoney 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Select a sunny planting location.
Prepare the soil, if necessary, by incorporating ample organic matter. Soil preparation is not always necessary if drainage is good.
Dig holes 2 1/2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb is wide, usually about 4 to 6 inches deep. In mild-winter climates, plant deeper - up to 8 to 12 inches deep. Leave 4 to 6 inches between bulbs.
Add bulb fertilizer to the bottom of the hole and roughly mix it into the soil.
Place the tulip bulb in the hole, pointed side up, root side down. The bottom of the bulb should rest firmly on the bottom of the hole.
Tips:
There are literally hundreds of types and species of tulips to choose from, varying in color (there are even striped tulips), flower form and time of bloom. Consult a good bulb book for details.
In mild-winter areas, most tulips won't repeat bloom year after year without being dug up and chilled the following fall. In such areas, however, most gardeners simply treat tulips as annuals, buying new bulbs and replanting each year.
Some "species" tulips, such as tulipa clausiana, will bloom each spring for many years in mild climates.
There are many helpful tools specifically designed for planting bulbs. Some make perfect holes by removing small cylinders of soil. An auger-like tool can be attached to electric drills. These are particularly useful when planting a lot of bulbs.
If you are planting a lot of tulips, dig large trenches instead of individual holes. Line up the tulips in the bottom of the trench, then fill it in with soil.
2006-09-27 01:42:13 · answer #1 · answered by Caroline H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never soak a bulb it will rot. Pointy end up, flat rounded end is the bottom.
Don't forget to put a tiny bit of bone meal in the dirt under the bulb. Plant the bulbs about 6 to 7 inches deep.
2006-09-26 20:44:27 · answer #2 · answered by couchP56 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They will find their own way up! But at least 8 inches down and with bone meal and some dried blood to keep away the squirrels will help.
I have always soaked Amaryllis for 24 hours first, but Tulips, I just toss, bone meal and blood, water them in and lay Chicken wire on the surface of the ground. I really have a squirrel problem!
2006-09-26 20:57:38 · answer #3 · answered by bugsie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should be able to find instructions on line depending on the growing zone you live in. I never soak bulbs before planting. Actually I think they should be dried and some bulbs are better producers if they have spent several weeks in the refrigerator.
2006-09-26 20:47:20 · answer #4 · answered by Tim Taylor 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋