Bulb-Planting Time Approaching

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32221, 13 February 1970, Page 9

Bulb-Planting Time Approaching

Already it is time to prepare for bulb planting, and a start on planting them can be made within the next few weeks. Although some bulbs do better in certain situations or environments than others, one cannot go far wrong by following a few general recommendations. Good drainage is of paramount importance. Poorly drained soil can retard growth because it remains cold for longer and thereby prevents satisfactory root development. It can delay flowering and possibly induce bulb rot. The soil for bulbs should be well provided with organic matter, preferably incorporated well in advance of planting. Fresh material should be avoided as it could cause heating and damage to the bulbs. The addition of coarse sand to the planting hole is a favourite procedure where heavy soils are utilised while liming can also assist in making conditions more suitable for the bulbs. Bone dust is one of the most frequently used fertilisers applied at planting time and it is useful not only because it contains two essen- i tial elements, phosphorus ;

and nitrogen, but also bei cause it is available only i slowly. The ground should be thoroughly cultivated, friable and allowed to settle before i planting is begun. Planting Depth The depth of planting always causes doubts and advice on the matter tends to vary and so adds to the confusion. One rule of thumb which works quite well, give and take a little, is to plant to a depth equal to twice the diameter of the bulb, measuring from the top to the base. For example a 2in tulip would be placed about 4in below soil level, measured from its apex. The governing influence is the soil and generally shallower planting is necessary in heavier soils and a somewhat greater depth is required in very light land. The recesses for the bulbs should be scooped out either by hand or with a trowel. Do not use a dibber as it can leave an air pocket below the bulb, which could be fatal to it. Planting schemes are optional but the scope is wide. Bulbs can be used in mixed borders and rockeries. Displays can be lined out in rows for ease of obtaining cut flowers, although they also have great appeal when

I planted in this manner. They lare useful for filling bowls both for internal and exterjnal decoration and do much to enhance the appearance of (tubbed specimen trees and i shrubs if planted around the perimeter of the receptacle. Another way of utilising bulbs is through random planting or naturalising in lawns or beneath trees. Grouping according to variety or colour can provide a most attractive display and makes it easier to keep them apart when lifting. It is also less apparent when some fail to develop or bloom Tali growing kinds such as tris and gladiolus should be put further back in the bed. while the smallest, such 'as cyclamen species and anemones, are ideal rock garden subjects. Identification Identification stakes should not be overlooked as it is very easy to forget which are which when plants are not in flower. Labels are best put in at the time of planting: then you are certain of what and where each lot is and thus (also avoid the possibility of damage by driving a marker (through a bulb

Cultivation after planting should be done carefully to give the bulbs maximum op-

oortunity of unsuppressed development. During the season keep a watch for pests such as hrips and aphides which can iamage not only foliage but flowers as vvell. After flowering foliage should not be removed although spent blooms should be cut off as soon as they .fade. At this stage they look (unsightly. Allowing them to set seed, unless specifically desired, is wasteful. ' 5 There is a general misconception concerning the lifting of bulbs Annual lifting and dividing are not necessary for a great many and too frequent disturbances usually lead to indifferent performance. A planting guide listing some of the more common bulb is given to provide some more details on individual kinds. It must be emphasised again that this is; merely a guide as such conditions as soil and growth will be the deciding pointers.

BE LB PLANTING GLIDE Depth Annual in. Flowers Lift Division Amaryllis belladonna .. U Autumn Summer No Anemone .. .. li Spring SummerAutumn No Calochortus .. 1 Spring Autumn Yes Canna .. 3 SummerAutumn Spring No Chionodoxa >. 3 Spring Autumn No Colchicum .. 1 Autumn Summer No Crocus Spring Autumn No Freesia Spring Summer No Gladiolus .. 3-5 Summer Autumn Yes Hippeastrum .. 0 Spring Autumn No Hyacinthus 4-5 Spring Summer Yes Iris (Dutch, English, SummerSpanish > .. 3-4 Spring Autumn No I,iliums .. 3-5 Summer Autumn 4-5 yrs Narcissus .. 4-6 Spring Summer Every 3 yrs Omithogalum ... 3 Spring Autumn Yes Ranunculus 2 Spring Summer Annually Scilla -• Spring Autumn if large No Sparaxis .. Spring Summer No Sprekelia .. .. 3 Winter SummerNo Tntonia Summer Autumn Autumn No Tulipa . . 4-6 Spring Summer No Zantedeschia WinterSummer Autumn No