WHAT LIES BENEATH
PLANT SPRING-FLOWERING BULBS NOW TO WELCOME A SPLASH OF COLOUR IN THE COMING MONTHS.
Bulbs will look their best come spring if planted now.
“In big pots, plant bulbs cheek to cheek for impact and layer them for a long-lasting display.”
SPRING BULBS such as daffodils, jonquils, tulips, hyacinths, bluebells and freesias are the flowers of the season. They’re easy to plant and grow, make a charming addition to any garden and are lovely as cut flowers. But there is a trick to bulbs — they must be planted two seasons ahead of flowering. To enjoy these spring flowers, plant dormant bulbs in autumn. Use bulbs to fill in bare spaces in your garden, or to create sweeps of flowers under trees or rows along driveways. As spring-flowering bulbs start to grow in winter while other plants are bare and leafless, they’re a good choice to mass plant under deciduous trees. Bluebells and daffodils are particularly ideal in these locations. However no bulb is as elegant or as stylish as the tulip. David Glenn from Lambley Nursery near Ballarat in Victoria says tulips can be planted throughout autumn. “Select a spot that has sun in winter and spring, although a few hours of shade won’t matter,” he explains. “Plant so the snout of the bulb is 10cm–15cm below soil level.” Bulbs don’t need to go in the fridge for chilling prior to planting, David adds, unless you live in a tropical or coastal area north of Wollongong. In southern parts of Australia they can be planted straight in the ground. Bulbs can also be planted in containers to create a seasonal floral show. Shallow pots are ideal for small bulbs, such as miniature daffodils, crocus or the spring star flower (Ipheion uniflorum), while deep pots of at least 30cm in diameter are best for a massed display of tulips, daffodils or hyacinths. Tesselaar Bulbs’ marketing coordinator Rachael Tesselaar says bulbs break all the rules when they are planted in pots. “In big pots, plant bulbs cheek to cheek for impact and layer them for a long-lasting display.” Layering involves planting the tallest and latest-flowering varieties at the bottom of your pot. Make sure to add potting mix between the layers. “Start with big bulbs, such as tulips or daffodils then add layers of smaller growers like grape hyacinths, finishing with annuals such as pansies on top,” Rachael recommends. Plant what appeals to you but for a strong feature, Rachael adds, colour-coordinate selections and use good-quality potting mix. “The key to success with bulbs in pots is to water them regularly once they start to grow. Lack of water and drying out leads to poor growth and fewer flowers.” For more information about bulb varieties and planting, visit lambley.com.au or tesselaar.net.au