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Bulb Growing Guide - Summer Flowering

Summer flowering bulbs

Summer flowering bulbs, corms and tubers are many and varied. They fit in with most mixed planting schemes. There are tall varieties, which are useful for cutting and also to add height among summer bedding plants. Shorter types are ideal for rockeries and at the front of borders. The bulbs are best planted in late spring and will usually flower within a couple of months. There are also varieties that make excellent container plants.

Site Preparation

Bulbs prefer free-draining soil. Digging about a week before planting and adding some coarse sand or grit will aid drainage if soil is heavy or compacted.

Rake some fish, blood and bone or dried/pelleted chicken manure into the surface of the soil before planting.

Planting Instructions

Dig a hole to the correct depth for the variety of bulb.

Loosen the soil in the base of the hole, if it is heavy clay add a cushioning layer of coarse sand or grit to the bottom, and place the bulb on top.

Ensure the bulb is the right way up. Mix the soil with some compost and backfill the hole, firming the soil gently to ensure there are no air pockets.

Planting in Containers

Ensure the container has good drainage holes.

Place broken crocks or polystyrene in the base of the pot.

Half fill with compost and place bulbs on top.

Cover bulbs, firm compost gently, and water well.

If using Begonias, plant the corms close to the surface with the shallow side uppermost. These should not be completely buried.

Not all summer bulbs are fully hardy, so after flowering, before the weather turns really cold, those of a more tender nature will need to have their crowns covered with a thick mulch of peat, compost or leaf mould. Some varieties should be lifted and stored for the winter, do this when the foliage has died down.

The following gives an indication whether to lift or mulch. In colder parts of the country or areas of poor drainage it is advisable to lift all varieties.