By Linda G. Tenneson
Beltrami County Master Gardener
As our summer perennials are now providing us with colorful
flowers, it is also time to do some planning and planting so that we
may have wonderful blooms next spring also. Early spring flowers
come from bulbs, rhizomes and corms that are planted the fall
before. Spring blooming bulbs do best when they are planted in full
sun; however, many areas that are shady in summer are in full sun in
early spring because the trees have not yet leafed out.
Tulips and daffodils are well known spring bulbs that may make a
statement planted in groups of two or three and there are many
wonderful varieties and colors available. Bulbs that are smaller in
size may be planted in larger groups to create masses of color that
may be enjoyed starting in early spring and progressing to summer.
One of the earliest blooming bulbs is the snowdrop, a small white
flower that is six inches tall and may be found peaking out from
clumps of snow.
Another early bloomer is the Dutch crocus that comes in several
colors, grows from a corm instead of a bulb, but is also planted in
the fall. Siberian squills provide deep blue blooms and also look
best when planted in large groups. Crocuses and squills may be
planted in between daffodils or tulips to create a pleasing color
contrast and provide a longer period of bloom. There are many
varieties of crocuses and squills so be sure to buy bulbs that are
listed for growing in zones 2 or 3. Bulbs listed as zone 4 or higher
are unlikely to grow in this far north. Grape or muscari hyacinths
are much smaller than the more commonly known hyacinth and generally
grow well in zone 3. They are very early bloomers and multiply
rapidly in my experience. The full size hyacinths are spring
blooming bulbs that are almost as well known as the tulip and
daffodil. Most hyacinths are listed as growing in zone 4 or higher;
however, I have grown them in zone 3 by planting them in protected
areas.
Bulbs that bloom in the very early spring may be planted in a
lawn because their bloom-and-die-down period will be completed before
the grass has grown enough to require mowing. Other bulbs may be
planted in between perennials and the emerging perennial growth will
cover the dying bulb foliage. Early blooming annuals such as pansies
do well planted in between tulips and daffodils.
The recommended bulb planting depth is always included on the
label. Larger bulbs are planted deeper than smaller ones with the
planting depth measured from the bottom of the bulb. Dig a planting
hole at the recommended depth and insert the bulb or corm with the
pointed end up. Rhizomes are the root system for spring bloomers
like the dwarf iris. Rhizomes are planted just under the surface of
the soil and the back of the rhizome may be exposed to the air. All
bulbs, corms and rhizomes will multiply as they grow so spacing them
out when they are initially planted will allow them to remain
undisturbed for several years.
It is also enjoyable to buy extra bulbs and keep some for
forcing in pots. Potted bulbs may be kept in cool conditions for
several weeks and then brought into warmer rooms to stimulate growth
and winter bloom.
