Week 4: Spring bulbs are here again

February's the month when the new season's
spring bulbs appear in the shops. Bulb is a
loosely used term that refers not just to the true
bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, but also to
the corms (which are swollen stems) of popular
varieties like freesias, anemones and
ranunculus.

While it's difficult to go wrong with freshly-
bought bulbs, remember that most come from
cold climates and will always be happiest in
cooler conditions. Gardeners in warm areas will
often find they get best results if they wait until
April or May to plant bulbs.

Favourite spring bulbs:
? Daffodils – There are hundreds of
daffodils but the most popular is still the
traditional yellow. Others come in
shades of cream, pink, white and
orange. Daffodils grow happily in well-
drained garden beds in semi-shade or
full sun. Dig in Yates Thrive Granular
All Purpose or Nutricote before planting
(mix well with the soil to avoid direct
contact with the bulb) and feed growing
plants with soluble Thrive Flower &
Fruit.
? Tulips – Much loved for the perfection of
their blooms, tulips can be challenging
to grow in warmer areas. Refrigerating
the bulbs for a couple of months before
planting is said to improve results. And,
unless your winters are cold, don't
expect a repeat performance next year.
? Hyacinths – Perfumed hyacinths also
love the cold so can be one-year
wonders in warm parts. The most
fascinating way to grow them is by
sitting them above water in what's called
a hyacinth vase. The water fills with a
mass of roots and the bulb eventually
produces a flower. The totally
exhausted bulb should be discarded
after the flower dies.
? Bluebells – These tolerant flowers can
adapt to all but tropical regions. Their
spikes of blue or pinkish flowers look
wonderful beneath established trees.
? Jonquils – A loose term for daffodil
relatives, jonquils do well in pots and
garden beds and are some of the least
demanding of the spring bulbs. They
require a minimum of care and will
flower year after year.
? Freesias – Freesias come from South
Africa so they adapt happily to New
Zealand conditions.
The colourful blooms have a delightful perfume
that makes them popular as cut flowers.

General bulb care
Grow bulbs in a well-drained garden bed in a
sunny or lightly shaded spot. Add some Yates
Nutricote at planting time and water growing
plants with Thrive Soluble Flower & Fruit. To
keep bulbs for next year, the most important
time to liquid feed is after flowering until the
leaves die down. As soon as leaves appear,
protect with Blitzem or Baysol.