Flowering bulbs for the garden & gifts
Fall and winter may be approaching, but there is always work to be done in the garden! Now is a great time to plan for spring by planting a flower bulb garden. A little bit of hard work in the fall can provide beautiful benefits in spring.
Flower bulbs are the underground nutrition system for a flowering plant. There are so many varieties, but first we are going to talk about how to plant them. Since Savannah is an area where the ground doesn’t typically freeze, it is recommended that you chill your bulbs in the fridge for a couple of weeks in a paper bag before planting them. Bulbs should be planted once it starts cooling off and nightly temperatures are around 40-50 degrees. Flower bulbs need well-draining soil to keep from rotting, so bed preparation is crucial. Make sure all weeds are removed, loosen the dirt, and add a nutrient-rich compost. When planting, make a hole three times the size of the bulb and plant with the pointed end up.
Flower Bulb Favorites
Crocus
Don’t let the dainty appearance of the crocus fool you because they are very hardy. Crocus is one of the first bulbs to bloom in spring and can even bloom with snow on the ground. They can take almost any light besides dense shade. Crocus will only grow 2-4 inches tall and is best planted in clusters to make the most impact. They come in a variety of colors such as purple, blue, red, and orange, so it is easy to incorporate crocus into any garden style.
Daffodil
This is probably the most well-known flower bulb. Daffodils pop up in early spring and typically come in the color yellow, but also come in combinations of pink, white, and orange. Not only are they stunning planted in masses in your yard or along the road, their trumpet-shaped blooms can also be used as cut flowers for arrangements. Daffodils do best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They produce daughter bulbs so they do spread; however, they are not an invasive spreader.
Hyacinth
Hyacinths produce striking scented flower spikes in early spring. They come in a variety of colors like purple, pink, and blue. They are one of the easiest bulbs to grow and can even be grown in water, indoors. This is called “forcing the bulb” and can be done using a special bulb vase. While this plant is beautiful, it is toxic to humans and pets. It is recommended that you wear gloves when handling the hyacinth.
