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September 16, 2007
Working with Bulbs is Easy
Master Gardener Column 9/15/07
One of my favorite stories to tell as an Arboretum docent is about tulips. “Can someone tell me what part of the world tulips come from?” Invariably someone says Holland and I get to tell my story. The tulip is not native to the Netherlands but originally comes from central Asia. Taxonomists believe that tulips first appeared on the slopes of the Pamirs and flourished along the foothills and valleys of the Tien Shan Mountains. In case you aren’t familiar with that part of the world it is where China and Tibet meet Russia and Afghanistan. Because the environment wasn’t very hospitable, tulips were smaller with narrow petals and closely hugged the ground. Tulips have been cultivated over the years and we have the Dutch to thank for the beauties we have today. If you want to learn more about tulips, read “Tulipomania” by Mike Dash.
Needless to say, something that can survive in that environment should do well in Flagstaff. Bulbs are not only good survivors but are very low maintenance. Many multiply with time and most come in a wide range of varieties and colors. Recently I have had success with many less common bulbs such as allium, scilla, galanthus and species tulips.
Planting season for bulbs happens twice a year. Most of the familiar spring bulbs including tulip, daffodil, iris, hyacinth, crocus, most lilies, allium, galanthus, fritillaria, and scilla should be planted in the fall when evenings are cold but the ground as yet to freeze. The best time is usually in October. Summer bulbs including gladiolus, anemone, dahlia, begonia, and canna lily should be planted in the spring. In Flagstaff this means May or June. These bulbs are less tolerant of our cold winters and need to be dug up in the fall and stored inside over winter.
When selecting and planting bulbs, consider whether you have critter problems. Tulip and lily are a favorite deer snack. Deer will occasionally eat other bulbs but these two are preferred. Rock squirrels can also be a problem. I place chicken wire over newly planted bulbs then cover the wire with dirt. Otherwise rock squirrels will dig them up. They usually don’t eat the bulbs but leave them on the top of the ground to shrivel and die.
Bulbs can also be forced in pots for indoor winter color. Most of are familiar with an amaryllis bulb, but there are many other bulbs such as daffodil, tulip, hyacinth, snowdrop, scilla, crocus and muscari that can be forced. By forcing you are inducing a plant to produce its shoot, leaf, and flower ahead of its natural schedule. Plant the bulbs in regular potting soil in a container and place the pot in a cool, dark place such as a garage, cold frame or refrigerator to initiate root and shoot growth. When the new shoots are about 2-3” above ground, bring the pots inside and place under cool, indirect light. Water well. Depending on the plant, it can take between 12-16 weeks for shoots to emerge so plan ahead.
Our local nurseries carry many of the tradition bulbs you may want to plant. For more unusual varieties try one of these catalogs:
Breck’s - 513-354-1511 or www.brecks.com
Brent & Becky’s - 877-661-2852 or www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com
Dutch Gardens - 800-944-2250 or www.dutchgardens.com
McClure & Zimmerman - 800-374-6120 or www.mzbulb.com
John Scheepers - 860-567-0838 or wwwjohnscheepers.com
On September 29th, from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, I will be teaching a class on bulbs at Coconino Community College. We will talk in more detail about planting bulbs, varieties available, sources and will plant bulbs for forcing. To register or for more information call 526-7644.
By Loni Shapiro
The author is a Master Gardener volunteer for Coconino County Cooperative Extension. If you have a gardening question, call the Master Gardener hotline at 774-1868 ext. 19 or visit our Web site: highelevationgardening.arizona.edu.
Posted by maxmaddy at September 16, 2007 5:46 AM