Stadler Nursery and Garden Centers - How to Plant Dutch Flower Bulbs

How to Plant Dutch Flower Bulbs

Select large, firm bulbs. Small nicks and loose skins will not affect the bulb's growth or flowers.
Store bulbs in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant. It is best to plant bulbs from late-September to mid-November.
Good soil drainage is very important. To assure good drainage, dig out the planting area to a depth of 10 inches. If the soil is heavy with clay, mix in composted manure up to 50% in volume.
Return a 2-inch layer of conditioned soil to the bottom of the planting area. Mix in either Bone meal or bulb fertilizer into the conditioned soil following package directions.
Position tulips, daffodils, and other large bulbs 8-inches deep from the bulb base to ground level. Space the bulbs 4-6 inches apart. Smaller bulbs, such as crocuses, can be planted 5-inches deep, spaced 2-3 inches apart.
Cover the bulbs with half the dug out soil. Water the area thoroughly. Fill the planting area with remaining soil and water again.
Spread 2-3 inches of shredded hardwood mulch over the planted bulbs.
In the spring, after the flowers have bloomed, cut off the flower heads with scissors. Allow the foliage to yellow and brown before removing. During this period the bulbs are manufacturing food to produce new flowers for the following spring.