Planting Your New Bulbs
Now that you have these beautiful and sometimes strange bulbs and corms and tubers, here are some quick tips for planting them.
You can find recommended planting depth, spacing, bloom time, and mature plant height on the East Portland Plant Club website.
Bulbs have all the nutrients they need for their first flowering and fertilizer can burn tender bulbs, so do not add fertilizer to the planting hole. After bulbs flower, top dress (sprinkle on the soil surface) the plants with bulb fertilizer, while the leaves are still green and roots are taking in nutrients to store in the bulb.
Mass Plantings
For aesthetics, it’s recommended to plant bulbs of one variety in groups of at least 3 or 5. To attract pollinators, plant even larger quantities of the same variety together. Plant bulbs with different colors and shapes in separate masses to provide a pollinator buffet. Instead of digging separate holes, dig a bed as deep as the bulb’s recommended planting depth. Place the bulbs root down at the recommended spacing and then cover with soil. Water lightly.
Layering Bulbs
For blooms from late winter through summer, plant bulbs in layers.
Following recommended planting depths and spacing, plant largest bulbs, like great, camas, hybrid tulips and daffodils, at 7” deep. Note where you planted (place a stick or mark a grid). Cover first layer with soil.
Plant the next layer of medium size bulbs, such as Dutch iris, muscari, and species tulips, offset from where the bottom bulbs were planted. Note where you planted the second layer and cover with soil.
Plant the final layer of small bulbs, like small allium, anemone, and crocus. Cover with soil and lightly water.
Planting in Lawn
Crocus, Muscari, species-variety Narcissus and Tulips (Tulipa) offer bees pollen and nectar in early spring. Choose a limited color palette and plant each variety in masses of 5-25. For a natural look, toss the bulbs on the ground and plant where they land. Plant and cover to protect from squirrels.
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