Planting flower bulbs, when and how do you do that?

Dahlvia , Hi, I'm Sarah. In this article, I'll share my knowledge, supplemented by some research, about flower bulbs. I sincerely hope it's helpful.

"Plant bulbs and reap a smile" is a motto I can completely identify with; even my one-year-old son is crazy about it . Planting flower bulbs not only creates a beautiful scene, but digging in the soil with your hands also gives me welcome inner peace and joy between naps, housework, and my job.

When the vegetable garden and vineyard are still deserted in early spring, the crocuses bring a smile to my face in mid-February. A few weeks later, the tulips follow, and later in the summer, my absolute favorites, the dahlias (summer bloomers). All these flowers make me truly happy. Because I choose to plant different types of flower bulbs, flowers bloom in my garden from mid-February through November.

Flower bulbs are small packages of floral power that keep us waiting for weeks, sometimes months, for results. But when they finally arrive, the wait is more than worth it. Flowers grown from bulbs are also often responsible for the first pollen that attracts beneficial insects in spring. They provide the first food. The sight of all that floral splendor is a real boost when the days are often still short and dark, and you attract beneficial insects to your garden—win-win!

When you think of flower bulbs, you might automatically think of tulips , daffodils , hyacinths, and crocuses. But as I mentioned before, you can enjoy flowers from bulbs in your vegetable garden well into November. Dahlias , for example, can be harvested from tubers until the first frost.

Bulbs can be divided into two types: spring bulbs and summer bulbs. This distinction is important for determining your planting periods.

Spring-flowering bulbs are beloved worldwide for their brilliant colors and weather-resistant blooms. The earliest bulbs begin to bloom as the snow melts, and the others follow in quick succession, providing months of color while most other plants are still awakening. Once planted, the bulbs quickly develop a root system before going dormant until late winter or early spring.

Spring flowering bulbs include:

• Snowdrops (flowering season: January and February)
• Crocuses (flowering season: February and March)
• Daffodils (flowering period: February to May)
• Tulips (flowering period: mid-March to May)
• Hyacinths (flowering period: March to May)
• Blue grape hyacinth - Muscari (flowering period: March to May)
• Allium - Ornamental Onion (flowering period: May to June)

Summer flowering bulbs include:

• Lilies, callas and cannas (flowering period: June to August)
• Gladioli (flowering period: July to September)
• Ranunculus (flowering period: June to August)
• Begonia and freesias (flowering period: June to November)
• Dahlias (flowering period: August to November)

Flower bulbs, planted in dormancy, are small powerhouses that bloom a few months later, producing a magnificent display of colorful flowers. The term "bulb" often refers not only to true bulbs like daffodils and tulips, but also to corms (such as dahlias ) and tubers (such as ranunculus).

When you plant flower bulbs depends on when they bloom.

Spring bloomers should be planted between September and December. This gives them time to cool down sufficiently before they put on their spectacular show months later. If you plant them too late, the bulb won't have enough time to establish strong roots and form a sturdy plant the following spring. Ideally, spring bulbs should be planted at least six weeks before the ground freezes, when temperatures are cool and the soil isn't yet hard . September is ideal . This also gives early spring bloomers, such as snowdrops or crocuses, plenty of time to cool down and produce internal flowers.

Summer bulbs, on the other hand, aren't tolerant of cold temperatures and should only be planted once the soil has warmed up ( mid-April to May ) and there's no longer any threat of frost. If you buy them before mid-April, store them in a cool, dry place until the day you can plant them out.

As long as you ensure your bulbs have good drainage and sunlight, you can plant them almost anywhere. Drainage is essential to prevent bulb rot. They prefer loamy or slightly sandy soil, as this provides the drainage and nutrients they need.

Spring bloomers can be planted under fruit trees, soft fruit trees, or vines, so they get enough sun to bloom before the tree's leaves block the light.

Not sure how deep to plant your bulbs? You're not alone; it's a common question for gardeners. Generally, you dig a hole two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall. So, if you have a 3-cm-long bulb, dig a hole 6 to 9 centimeters deep. Of course, there are always exceptions, so consult the planting instructions on the bulb packaging for more information.

The next frequently asked question when planting bulbs is: "How do I know which side is up?" If the bulb has a pointed end, that's usually the side facing up. If you don't see a pointed end, look where the roots emerge—that end is facing down.

Maintain the same planting distance across the width: 6cm flower bulbs should therefore be planted approximately 18cm deep and 18cm apart.

Tip : Like most plants, flower bulbs prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. So mix compost into your bulbs' planting holes to ensure good flowering. This is especially important if you have heavy clay soil or soil that stays wet.

You can buy flower bulbs in our webshop . Bulbs are available based on the planting season. Spring-flowering bulbs are available in the fall, and summer-flowering bulbs in the spring. We have a wide range of flower bulbs packaged by variety, as well as attractive mixed packages. Ideal as a gift. Here's some inspiration:

If you find this article about flower bulbs valuable, definitely consider buying your flower bulbs in our online store . This allows us to share as much free knowledge as possible on our blog and YouTube channel "MoestuinTV." If this is your first order, you can use the discount code "biomoestuin" for a €5 discount. Existing customers also receive a €5 discount on orders of €50 or more using the code moestuinspullen.

I hope you will be able to admire countless flowers in your garden and in numerous vases.

Greetings, Sarah