Planting Tulip Bulbs

Spring blooming bulbs are popular due to the beauty they add to the landscape and how easy it is to grow them. Keep in mind they must be planted in the fall, and many local retailers have a great selection now. Below are a few popular types.

Tulips

Tulips are adapted to Utah soils and are available in a myriad of colors and flower styles (classes). Most modern tulip hybrids only bloom well for three or four seasons. After this period, they should be replaced. However, some tulip classes thrive for a longer period of time. The class or type tulip is almost always listed on the container or package containing the bulbs. Darwin hybrid tulips are generally the longest blooming hybrid tulip and are valued for their large, brightly-colored blossoms. Flower colors include red, pink, orange, yellow and white. Darwin tulips grow to 30 inches tall.

Fosteriana or Emperor tulips are known for their larger, elongated flowers. The flowering period is early spring. Flowers reach 10 to 20 inches tall and come in shades of yellow, white and red. Some varieties have mottled or variegated foliage.

Species tulips are the original wild species or the first hybrids of these. Generally they are the longest lived, but the flowers may not be quite as spectacular and the plants are often smaller in stature. This is not a drawback, though. Species tulips are great to use in naturalized areas and in rock gardens.

Daffodils (Narcissus)

These are long lived and survive long enough that they need to be divided every 3 to 4 years. They are also deer resistant. We are familiar with the yellow flower color. However, some cultivars are available in creamy white and yellow orange. Some newer white types have pink fringes around the edges. Cultivars are available that grow from 6 to 12 inches.

Hyacinths

Hyacinths usually grow from 6 to 10 inches tall. They are popular for their spring flower spikes with colors ranging from white to pink, red and purple. They work well as a border plant intermixed with other spring flowers. Hyacinths usually start to lose vigor after 3 to 4 years and should be replanted that often.

Crocus

Crocus offer an early spring surprise because they are among the first flowers. They often actually push up through the snow. Flowers only reach 3 to 4 inches tall and come in shades of pink, white, yellow and lavender-purple. They are best planted in drifts and large groupings instead of individually. They also work well in rock gardens and other naturalized areas.

Alliums

Alliums are slightly less common than other bulbs but perform well in Northern Utah. They are closely related to edible onions. The blossoms are unique and are sometimes referred to as the spiky ball flower or fireworks flower. Flower colors include white, red, pink and purple. Flower height also ranges from 6 inches to almost 3 feet tall. The largest cultivars are very showy and are often used individually as a springtime flowerbed focal point.

Iris

Iris are available in some form for most of the growing season. During the spring and summer they can be purchased as potted plants. However, it is often less expensive to purchase the "bulbs" in the fall. Although we are familiar with the common bearded iris planted in many local yards, many other types exist including dwarf and variegated forms.

Fritillaries

Also called checkered lily, fritillaries are less common but can add beauty to the landscape. They are known for having an upside down flower. Flower color is usually white or light purple. The plant size also ranges from 6 to 24 inches. The tallest cultivars are used as focal points just as larger alliums are. Smaller types will naturalize in drier areas but do not get out of hand.

Many other spring blooming bulbs exist that are useful in the yard that can be purchased locally or online. Local sources include garden centers, farm stores and even box stores. Some online retailers include Brecks and Michigan Bulb Company.

How to Plant Bulbs

The general rule of thumb for planting spring bulbs is to plant them two to three times as deep as the bulbs are tall. This means most large bulbs like tulips or daffodils will be planted about 8 inches deep while smaller bulbs will be planted 3 to 4 inches deep. Planting depth is measured from the bottom of the bulb. This rule of thumb on planting depth does not apply to summer bulbs which have varied planting requirements. For planting depth of summer bulbs, consult the information supplied with the bulbs.

Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths should be planted with the nose of the bulb upward and the root plate downward. The best method of planting is to dig and loosen the entire bed to the proper depth. Press the bulbs into the soil in the planting area and cover with soil. Because the soil in a spaded bed is better drained and prepared, the planting will last longer. This method of planting is preferred over trying to plant bulbs one by one with a bulb planter. In many soils bulb planters do not work well, if at all.

From a University of Illinois fact sheet entitled "Bulbs and More" by Rob Cornwall. Access the full article here .