SUMMER BULBS  
30th March 2009

Garden centres and stores are full of bulbs, corms and tubers that will flower this summer and autumn.

Some, such as freesias, will produce scented flowers while others such as dahlias will flower throughout summer and autumn until the first frost.

Always buy the best. Small bulbs are cheaper but they can be disappointing and may not flower until the following year. Give them a gentle squeeze before buying. If they feel soft leave them on the shelf. If the site isn’t ready for immediate planting then store the bulbs somewhere cool, frost-free and in light. If they have started into growth take care not to damage the shoots and plant as soon as possible.

When planting outside most summer flowering bulbs prefer a moist but well drained soil. If the ground is heavy or tends to lie wet then place 2-4 cm of coarse sand or grit in the base of the hole to help drainage. Lily bulbs have loose scales and, where the soil is wet, it is best to plant the bulbs on their side to prevent water collecting between the scales. They will grow and flower perfectly well.

A general rule is to plant bulbs at a depth of two and a half times their height. Prepare the soil and remove any weed roots and stones larger than 3-4 cm. Add a handful of slow acting bone meal fertilizer to the topsoil.

Marking canes are a useful aid to prevent planting something else in the same position. To avoid damaging the bulbs insert canes and plant supports prior to filling in the planting holes. When container planting always make sure there are drainage holes and that they are unblocked. Use a multi-purpose compost for summer bulbs and fill the compost leaving at least a 7 cm gap between the top of the compost and the rim of the pot. This will make it easier to water and feed.

Summer bulbs may be planted separately or mixed together. Bear in mind that dahlias are bulky, leafy plants that need a lot of space. Gladioli look good planted through an herbaceous border adding height to the bed. Low growing begonias make a colourful show in a border or container but they dislike wet compost and heavy rain. Agapanthus prefer to be crowded in the pot and flower best when they are jam packed together. To produce the large blue or white blooms the size of a football they do need a moist, fertile soil and a good, sunny dry summer. We can always hope!

Related Links
Bulbs In, Bulbs Out
Small Is Beautiful

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