Bulb planting depths and distances

It's bulb planting time again so here are few of the popular bulbs you may be planting and the suggested planting densities.

Alliums ( large bulb) (depth) 20cm (apart) 20cm

Alliums (small bulb) (d) 10cm (a) 10cm

Crocus (d) 8cm (a) 8cm

Hyancinths (d) 20cm (a)15cm

Daffodils (small flower) (d) 15cm (a) 10cm

Daffodils (large flower) (d) 20cm (a) 13cm

Tulips (short) (d) 12cm (a) 12cm

Tulips (tall) (d) 12cm (a) 13cm

It's better to put a bulb in too shallow than too deep, a bulb will pull itself down with its roots to a correct depth all on its own but a bulb that is planted too deep can not pull itself up. 

 

 

 

Think big - think Allium giganteum

If it's a statement you want to add in your garden, place a focal point or just want to add something fun the Allium giganteum  bulb is a must. This bulbs grows into a monster, up to 1.5 metre in height and a perfect purple rounded flower head. As with most Alliums the foliage starts dying just as soon as the plant is ready to flower so plant in the middle of a border to hide the foliage at the base, you might also want to plant this bulb in a  sheltered position (because of its height) and although these bulbs are expensive as far as bulbs go plant in small groups of 5 or more for maximum impact.

Allium giganteums are not fussy about soil type, chalk, clay, loam or sand but plenty of sun is a must. If you are planting in a clay soil dig in some grit, this will improve drainage and stop any winter bulb rot from excessive winter wet. These really are the giant allium bulbs, don't be confused, many suppliers are offering other allium bulbs confusing the matter by saying "giant flower". 

It is time to start thinking BULBS

It feels like summer has only just started and now the DIY stores are stocking up on Daffs and Tulips for Spring 2011. If you are planning new bulb planting then start doing your research now with quality bulb suppliers. As always the best looking bulbs always run out of stock first so put your order in now and wait for when they start shipping. 

Bulbs

Well as per my last post I received my bulbs from GeeTee. They are of a great quality, none rotten or hollow like you might find at garden centers and can definitely endorse the company, expensive delivery at £10 but the bulb price is cheap so one counters the other I guess. Maybe team up with a friend or neighbour and get a worth while order of a few. Order this week though for Spring bulbs because I think that will be that.

Last chance for spring bulbs

Most if not all garden centers have now stopped selling Spring bulbs however I have been successful in finding a supplier who is still fulfilling orders. Their bulbs are very well priced however their delivery charge is a bit steep (£10 per order) but beggars cant be choosers.gee tee bulbs

Buy and plant daffodils, crocus and tulips soon.

It's that time  when, if you haven't done already you need to get your spring flowering bulbs in the ground, although you can plant successfully up to December (I've never had a problem) for spring flowering, all you will be left with is a very limited choice of bulbs from your local DIY store. Big garden centers such as Syon Park and Chessington are stock to the brim with different bulbs (but not for long).

If you do not have time to trail over to a garden centre then Bloms bulbs carry a huge selection and come with a very good reputation. Bloms Bulbs

Bulbs for the shade

You have probably never thought of planting bulbs in the shade but you can and they will flower. The trick is to pick the shorter stem varieties as other wise they might get too tall looking or the sun. As the flower is already in the bulb for the first year it does mean that they will not get enough sunlight to energise them again for the second year flowering but as they are just so cheap just dig them up, put them elsewhere or just throw on the compost heap.

Planting

From now until November(ish) although I have planted later, is time to thinking of planting spring bulbs.

There is nothing that warms the soul more and to bring you out of that winter gloom than the sight of early daffodils and then onto tulips etc. You could easily have a selection of bulbs that will flower from February all the way to mid-April.

VALUE FOR MONEY: Bulbs are cheap, so cheap and to make it easy I will be carrying 5 chosen varieties of daffodils and the same with tulips. Just ask to see my my bulb sheet and we can choose what and where.

See planting section of the website for more information on planting plans and making the most of your garden.