Watering bulbs?

Question

Bear with me, I'm an amateur gardener: when planting bulbs in the fall, how often do you have to water them? I followed the planting guide for what month to plant and how deep in the soil, etc, and it said to water them after planting. Only immediately after planting, or as often as I water my other flowers?

Answer 1

Only after planting to compact the soil lightly around them to get rid of air pockets that will cause the bulbs to rot. After that they will be fine. The bulb contains all it needs to start rooting.

Answer 2

Hello-----I am a Certified Master Gardener. Horticulture was my major in college, I've been employed at a plant nursery, and work with plants as a volunteer at my local University Botanic Gardens.

It sounds like you did a very good job planting your bulbs.

The bulbs are dormant right now, so just water them LIGHTLY once a week. In early, mid, or late spring, they will begin to sprout.

Don't water the bulbs as often or as deeply as your other plants at this point in time, because of the bulb's being in a dormant state.

Purchase a specific BULB fertilizer, if you haven't already done so. Follow package directions exactly. A Dutch bulb company called Van Bourgondien sells it, I believe.

I highly recommend "Sunset Western Garden Book" if you live in the Western states. It is invaluable, and my supervisor at the Botanic Gardens, although he has multiple degrees in plant science, botany, etc., refers to this book. It is updated about every 5 - 7 years. I purchased mine at a home improvement store.

I sincerely hope this helps you, and may your bulbs flourish !

PAMELA J.

Answer 3

It depends partly on your soil. If you have a very heavy (clay) soil you won't need to water them but a couple times. If you have lots of drainage you can go ahead and water them as you do the other plants.

They won't really need watering untill they come up. Maybe will if the winter is really dry.

Enjoy.