Bulbs for the Garden

A bulb is a modified flower bud that can survive for a long period without water or soil, but begins to grow when conditions are right. It stores food and energy, and supports the growth of the plant until roots are formed. When the plant has matured, the leaves produce food which is sent down to the bulb for future dormancy. There are true bulbs, such as daffodils, tulips, species tulips, hyacinths, allium, scillia, lily, chionodoxa; corms such as crocus and gladiolus; and tubers such as tuberous begonias, tuberous roots such as dahlias, and rhizomes such as irises.
Spring bulbs that flower in the spring are hardy and are planted in the fall. Some of these are crocus, daffodils, scillia, tulips and hyacinths. Summer bulbs, such as gladiolus, tuberous begonia, and dahlias, are less hardy and are planted in the ground once the soil has warmed up.

When buying bulbs, look for ones that are firm to the touch; no soft, rotten spots or mold. There should be no signs of damage on the growing tips and the outer skins should be smooth, bright and free from cuts and bruises. If you cannot plant them right away, store them in mesh or paper bags, where they have good air circulation, and out of sunlight.

Planting: Plant in a sunny location and where other plants will hide the dying leaves after flowering is past. Bulbs prefer loose, organic soil that drains well. Planting depth and width: plant 3 times deep as the bulb is high, and plant as far apart as the bulb is wide. Set the bulbs firmly in the ground, pointed end up, add a bit of bonemeal, and cover with soil. (For tubers, tuberous roots and rhizomes- the ‘eyes’ face up; for corms-the concave side is up) Water thoroughly and mulch with 2-3 inches to prevent moisture loss. For small bulbs such as crocus or hyacinths, mass plantings are most attractive.
Bulbs that will naturalize and spread over time, are grape hyacinths, species tulips, daffodils, and Asiatic lilies (as long as you chose hardy varieties).
Remove spent flower blossoms, and after the bulbs have past their prime, remove the flower stalk. Do not remove or cut back the leaves. 
It is recommended to lift tulip bulbs after the leaves have died down, and store them in a dry area til fall, when they are planted again. This will prevent little bulblets from forming (which weaken the parent bulb) and from rotting.

lily photo: www.woodrome.com
daffodil photo: thenewforty.areavoices.com