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Bulbs: spring flowering
Spring-flowering bulbs should be purchased and planted in the fall,
preferably in early September for largest size and selection. When
selecting bulbs, avoid those with mold or mechanical damage. Bulbs can be
purchased from bulb catalogs, open bins, and convenience prepacks. When
selecting from an open bin, purchase bulbs that look like the others in
that bin, because sometimes bulbs are inadvertently mixed up.
 Bulbs can be
planted until late October, but plant early in September for best
establishment. Plant bulbs deeper than seed, usually three to four times
the diameter of the bulb. Bulbs prefer a sandy or clay loam soil, but be
sure to plant them two inches deeper in sandy soil.
After plants bloom the following spring, remove spent blossoms and
apply a general- purpose fertilizer at the rate of one-quarter pound per
one-hundred square feet.
Hybrid tulips that fail to bloom as a result of
overcrowding should be divided. Bulbs can be dug and divided at two times
of the year. The first is after the leaves have withered in late spring.
Dig bulbs with a spading fork and spread them out to dry for several days.
Sort by size and discard any soft, mushy bulbs, or bulbs that have
mechanical damage from digging. Store the bulbs in a well ventilated,
cool, dry place until they're ready to be planted in the fall.
Bulbs can
also be divided in mid to late August. Dig, sort and plant as usual, but
plant only the best.
There are many bulbs to choose from including
tulips, which are available with an early, mid or late-season bloom.
Daffodils or narcissus also offer a variety of height, colors, flower
types, and blooming periods. Typically, daffodils can be left in the
ground for many years. They are deer resistant, which makes them ideal if
you have frequent visitors to your Garden.
Crocus are
also associated with spring. This early bloomer -- the first harbinger of
spring -- is available in many colors. Crocus make an excellent Garden
edging, can be massed together for effect, or randomly planted in the
turf.
Other early bloomers include snowdrop, grape hyacinth and scilla.
For "How to force bulbs indoors" refer to message number 1319.
For more information, see the following Colorado State Extension fact sheet(s).
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