tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41657883813021116332024-03-04T22:15:04.802-08:00Perennial BulbsA website dedicated to providing information on planting and selecting perennial bulbsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-9351881137400000172010-10-11T07:48:00.000-07:002010-11-26T11:28:11.046-08:00Forcing Paperwhite Narcissus Bulbs Indoors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNScwclFFSqiNykuD_PIG4x7JhWMkfKGvz_MU_qA-Bd21SCo2FZR7HRUV8hoyhsMUYKekQvlsXz-EDf7006Bzyiu3eOk8YEcgBpMojR7jqdyaxxxq5sqAEGTkOJTaocxjOwEhUQSnBSBg/s1600/narcissus+kit.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNScwclFFSqiNykuD_PIG4x7JhWMkfKGvz_MU_qA-Bd21SCo2FZR7HRUV8hoyhsMUYKekQvlsXz-EDf7006Bzyiu3eOk8YEcgBpMojR7jqdyaxxxq5sqAEGTkOJTaocxjOwEhUQSnBSBg/s200/narcissus+kit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543941300661335938" /></a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.papagenos.com/picts/amaryllis/paperwhites.basketX.jpg">Paperwhite Narcissus</a> are a very fragrant, tender perennial bulb that cannot be grown outdoors in any region colder than Zone 8. However, paperwhite narcissus bulbs are a wonderful bulb to try forcing indoors, especially during the cold winter months when fragrant flowers can be hard to come by, especially in the northern climates.<br /><br />It is quite easy to force paperwhite narcissus bulbs indoors. You will only need a few basic supplies:<br /><ol><li>A shallow but fairly wide bowl (or plate with a lip on it)</li><li>A handful of paperwhite narcissus bulbs (half a dozen or more would be ideal)</li><li>Rocks or pebbles, or even glass marbles</li></ol>Instructions for forcing paperwhite narcissus bulbs indoors:<br /><ol><li>Place rocks, pebbles or marbles in bowl, and then set the bulbs on top of them (pointed side up). You should firm the rocks around the base of the paperwhite narcissus bulbs so that they will not tip over while growing, but make sure the bulbs are not touching the bottom of the bowl or plate.<br /><br /></li><li>Fill the bowl with water until the water level is just barely touching the bottom of the bulbs. You want the roots to be able to grow, but for the bulbs themselves not to rot, so be sure that the bulbs are not submerged in the water.<br /><br /></li><li>Place the bowl and bulbs in a warm, preferably well lighted area (such as a windowsill) and wait for the blooms to form. Once they are blooming, you may want to move them to a cooler and slightly darker area of the home to prolong the blooms lifespan.<br /></li></ol>That is all you need to do! After the bloom have died, you may want to replant the bulbs outdoors if you live in zone eight or warmer - or mail them to a relative who lives in such an area so that they can plant them outdoors. Do not try to reforce these perennial bulbs - forcing them once is all they can handle and they will become too depleated to survive if you try to force them again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNScwclFFSqiNykuD_PIG4x7JhWMkfKGvz_MU_qA-Bd21SCo2FZR7HRUV8hoyhsMUYKekQvlsXz-EDf7006Bzyiu3eOk8YEcgBpMojR7jqdyaxxxq5sqAEGTkOJTaocxjOwEhUQSnBSBg/s1600/narcissus+kit.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNScwclFFSqiNykuD_PIG4x7JhWMkfKGvz_MU_qA-Bd21SCo2FZR7HRUV8hoyhsMUYKekQvlsXz-EDf7006Bzyiu3eOk8YEcgBpMojR7jqdyaxxxq5sqAEGTkOJTaocxjOwEhUQSnBSBg/s200/narcissus+kit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543941300661335938" /></a>For an even easier method of forcing your paperwhite narcissus bulbs, you might also want to consider purchasing this affordable and easy to use Paperwhite Narcissus Bulb kit from Amazon.com! In as little as six weeks, you can have bunches of highly fragrant white daffodils in bloom, on your coffee table - even if there is cold rain or snow outside! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047WC8DY?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0047WC8DY">Click here to get it on sale at Amazon.com!</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-90605800333918687962010-09-10T04:55:00.000-07:002010-11-26T11:27:49.402-08:00How to Force Perennial Bulbs Indoors: Three MethodsForcing <span style="font-weight: bold;">perennial bulbs</span> indoors is a wonderful way to bring color and scent into your home during cold winter months. In a previous article, I outlined the Best Perennial Bulbs for Indoor Forcing. In this article, I will cover the basics of how to force perennial bulbs indoors.<br /><br />First, what does "forcing perennial bulbs" really mean? "Forcing" means encouraging perennial bulbs to bloom indoors by recreating conditions under which they would normally grow and bloom outdoors. For perennial bulbs that require a cold period during the winter in order to bloom the following spring, you will need to provide adequate cold treatment before forcing them indoors. Not all perennial bulbs require cold treatment however - many just need warmth and light to bloom indoors.<br /><br />There are three methods by which perennial bulbs are generally "forced" indoors in the winter: planted in pots, planted in pebbles and waters, and put in water alone ("water forcing"). I will discuss each of these methods in detail below.<br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Perennial Bulbs Planted in Pots.</span> This is an excellent method for forcing perennial bulbs that require some cold treatment before blooming. This would include tulips, daffodils and crocus species. <span style="font-style: italic;">Method:</span> Fill the pot about two thirds full with potting soil, and then place the perennial bulbs into clay (or plastic) pots. A pot that has a five or six inch diameter will hold about three tulip or daffodil bulbs, or six to nine crocus bulbs. Cover the bulbs with more soil up to the top of the pot (if the very top of the perennial bulb peeks through the soil it will be fine). Place the pot outdoors, preferably burying the pot in the ground and covering with two to three inches of additional soil. In late fall or early winter, leave the pot outdoors for about two months (during this time the perennial bulbs will start to develop a root system that will sustain them when forcing them indoors and they will receive the appropriate chilling as well). Then bring the pot back indoors into a room where the temperature is about 50 to 60 degrees warm (F). Once the perennial bulbs begin to develop flower stalks, you can bring them into a warmer area of your house to bloom and be enjoyed by all. Once the flowers have died, the perennial bulbs can be replanted into the garden, but do not use these perennial bulbs again for forcing.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Forcing Bulbs using Pebbles and Water. </span>This is a popular, and decorative way to force perennial bulbs that does not rely on any soil. This is a good forcing method for Hyacinths, Daffodils, Crocuses and early Tulips. <span style="font-style: italic;">Method</span>: You will need a waterproof bowl and some decorative stones or gravel (some people even use marbles). Place the bulbs on top of the rocks in the bowl, using the pebbles or rocks to help firm the base of the perennial bulbs to keep them from tipping over while growing. Make sure the bulbs are also not touching the bottom of the bulb, but are sitting on top of the rocks. Next, add water to the bowl up to the very base of the perennial bulbs but not so high that that the bottom of the perennial bulbs are submerged in the water (this would encourage rot and drown the bulbs - you want the roots to be able to reach the water and grow, but for the bulbs to remain out of the water). If you are able to, you should place the bowl with the perennial bulbs in it in a dark, cool (about 50 degrees F) place for several weeks until the flower stalks begin to form, and then bring them into a warmer area of your home to be enjoyed. <br /><br /></li><li><b>WATER FORCING. </b>When you were a child, did you ever try to grow an avocado tree from an avocado pit in a glass of water. If you did so, you will have already have had experience with "water forcing." This is a method that is best done with Hyacinth perennial bulbs. <span style="font-style: italic;">Method:</span> Take a Hyacinth bulb and insert toothpicks into four sides of the bulb and place on top of the rim of a drinking glass. Fill the glass up with water up to the base of the Hyacinth bulb, but do not let the bulb be submerged in the water. Place the bulbs in a cool, dark place for four to five weeks, then bring them out so that they will bloom.<br /></li></ol>By forcing perennial bulbs during the winter months, you will be able to enjoy the color and scent of flowers the entire year long.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNScwclFFSqiNykuD_PIG4x7JhWMkfKGvz_MU_qA-Bd21SCo2FZR7HRUV8hoyhsMUYKekQvlsXz-EDf7006Bzyiu3eOk8YEcgBpMojR7jqdyaxxxq5sqAEGTkOJTaocxjOwEhUQSnBSBg/s1600/narcissus+kit.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNScwclFFSqiNykuD_PIG4x7JhWMkfKGvz_MU_qA-Bd21SCo2FZR7HRUV8hoyhsMUYKekQvlsXz-EDf7006Bzyiu3eOk8YEcgBpMojR7jqdyaxxxq5sqAEGTkOJTaocxjOwEhUQSnBSBg/s200/narcissus+kit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543941300661335938" /></a>For an even easier method of forcing your paperwhite narcissus bulbs, you might also want to consider purchasing this affordable and easy to use Paperwhite Narcissus Bulb kit from Amazon.com! In as little as six weeks, you can have bunches of highly fragrant white daffodils in bloom, on your coffee table - even if there is cold rain or snow outside! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047WC8DY?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0047WC8DY">Click here to get it on sale at Amazon.com!</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-88044990452825852102010-09-09T06:45:00.000-07:002010-11-26T11:27:19.978-08:00Forcing Perennial Bulbs Indoors: Selecting the Right BulbsDuring the cold, winter months it can be difficult (or expensive) to have beautiful flowers in your home. But there is a way to bring the vibrant color of flowers inside when there is snow outdoors: by forcing <span style="font-weight: bold;">perennial bulbs</span> indoors.<br /><br />Forcing perennial bulbs indoors is not a difficult feat at all. Some varieties do not even need soil to grow indoors. All they will need are some stones to sit on and water underneath. If you are interested in forcing perennial bulbs indoors, however, it is best to start with perennial bulbs that are especially suited for this. Here is a list of some of the top perennial bulbs you can force indoors during winter months:<br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.papagenos.com/picts/amaryllis/paperwhites.basketX.jpg">Paperwhite Narcissus</a>.</span> This may well be the most popular forced perennial bulb during winter months. By and large this is due to the wonderful (although some might say overpowering) scent they produce - just a few bulbs will fill your house with fragrance.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Amaryllis_belladonna_flowers.jpg">Amaryllis</a>.</span> Very popular for forcing at Christmas time, an advantage of this perennial bulb is that no precooling period is necessary prior to forcing.<br /><br /></li><li><a href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com/2009/06/perennial-bulb-profile-crocus.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crocus.</span></a> The larger, hybrid crocus perennial bulb varieties are the most popular for indoor forcing. Crocuses generally require several months of rooting before blooming.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iris.</span> <a href="http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/PlantFinder/Plant.asp?Code=Q800"><span style="font-style: italic;">Iris reticulata</span></a> is a variety that is very easy to force indoors. They take approximately fifteen weeks to bloom indoors, and you must ensure they have proper drainage otherwise the bulbs will rot easily.<br /><br /></li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Colchicum_speciosum0.jpg"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Colchicum</span></a>. Perhaps the easiest perennial bulb to force indoors, they can be grown even without soil or water on a windowsill. They are quick too: they will begin blooming in just two weeks.<br /></li></ol>By selecting the correct perennial bulbs for indoor forcing, you will be able to enjoy the sight and scent of flowers in your home all winter long.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNScwclFFSqiNykuD_PIG4x7JhWMkfKGvz_MU_qA-Bd21SCo2FZR7HRUV8hoyhsMUYKekQvlsXz-EDf7006Bzyiu3eOk8YEcgBpMojR7jqdyaxxxq5sqAEGTkOJTaocxjOwEhUQSnBSBg/s1600/narcissus+kit.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNScwclFFSqiNykuD_PIG4x7JhWMkfKGvz_MU_qA-Bd21SCo2FZR7HRUV8hoyhsMUYKekQvlsXz-EDf7006Bzyiu3eOk8YEcgBpMojR7jqdyaxxxq5sqAEGTkOJTaocxjOwEhUQSnBSBg/s200/narcissus+kit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543941300661335938" /></a>For an even easier method of forcing your paperwhite narcissus bulbs, you might also want to consider purchasing this affordable and easy to use Paperwhite Narcissus Bulb kit from Amazon.com! In as little as six weeks, you can have bunches of highly fragrant white daffodils in bloom, on your coffee table - even if there is cold rain or snow outside! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047WC8DY?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0047WC8DY">Click here to get it on sale at Amazon.com!</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-29877826887969045512010-04-27T20:30:00.000-07:002010-11-26T11:14:33.690-08:00Perennial Bulbs: Selecting and Preparing a Planting SiteIf you are like me, there is nothing more beautiful in early spring than the sight of perennial flowers like tulips bursting through the mud with their vibrant color. Perennial bulbs are an excellent investment for the home gardener. After a single planting they should bloom for years to come - that is, as long as they are planted in the right spot, and in the right way. The optimum time to plant most perennial bulbs is during the fall, so gardeners still have plenty of time to select and properly prepare their garden site this year for their perennial flower garden.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Site Selection</span><br /><br />One of the most crucial elements to consider when selecting a planting site for your perennial bulbs is the amount of sunlight the area receives. Does the bulb you are planting require full sun, or will partial shade be acceptable? Is the area you are thinking about planting in shaded by a large tree - but only in late spring after the tree leafs out, so that early blooming perennial bulbs can still grow there? Also, are you planting on a slope? If so - is it north or south facing? Perennial bulbs growing on a south facing slope will likely bloom earlier than those of the same variety planted on a north facing slope.<br /><br />After you have selected a site, you need to analyze the soil in which the bulbs will be planted. Since perennial bulbs will be in the ground long term, you will want to make any soil amendments that need to be made before you plant them in the ground.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Site Preparation</span><br /><br />Of particular importance to perennial bulbs is a soil that is rich in phosphorous, which will help encourage root development. The phosphorous needs to be available as deep as eight inches underground, which is the planting depth of many larger perennial bulbs, such as tulips.<br /><br />If the soil is clay and dense, you will want to also lighten it up with compost, and if you suspect the soil is deficient in nutrients, add some fertilizer as well (10-10-10 formulas are best for perennial bulbs). You will not want to fertilize bulbs in the spring, since this will encourage bulb rot and can shorten the blooming period.<br /><br />Finally, consider the pH level of your soil. The best pH range for perennial bulbs is between six and seven. If you need to add lime to the soil, do so while adding your other soil amendments.<br /><br />By following these simple steps, you should have a great location ready for your perennial bulbs come fall!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZmQophbNAeOq7AY-NDdWYcEj3ewwhHQic_opcgruymkjv3ntuSx1ShrxD0Ss4rMDz-YcW2Jf0_mDaw1tsVuH6Q4J_xPt1vHnurDXrH9QVytCSmALvhsat4lkZZH6pVMTGHuqugykwQU/s1600/Bulb+Book.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZmQophbNAeOq7AY-NDdWYcEj3ewwhHQic_opcgruymkjv3ntuSx1ShrxD0Ss4rMDz-YcW2Jf0_mDaw1tsVuH6Q4J_xPt1vHnurDXrH9QVytCSmALvhsat4lkZZH6pVMTGHuqugykwQU/s320/Bulb+Book.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543937047350164594" /></a>For more information about perennial bulb gardening, I strongly recommend you consider picking up a copy of Anna Pavord's lovely book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845335325?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1845335325"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bulb</span></a>.<br /><br />In the book you will find nearly six hundred different entries about different bulbs and tubers you can grow, including detailed descriptions of the blooms, the plant size, hardiness levels, native areas they are found in, and their bloom seasons. The book is wonderfully written and each entry contains photographs of individual bulb blossoms. Easily one of the most definitive books on the topic, and a necessity for any serious perennial bulb gardener! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845335325?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1845335325">Click here to get it on sale now at Amazon.com</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-44986875449336563302009-09-19T20:25:00.000-07:002009-09-19T22:19:28.141-07:00How to Overwinter Tender Perennial BulbsNot all perennial bulbs are capable of being overwintered in the ground. For gardeners living in northern climates (zone six and below), digging up and storing tender perennial bulbs indoors is an annual task.<br /><br />But just which perennial bulbs need to be dug up, and how do you do this? Here is a list of some of the most popular tender perennial bulbs, with instructions on how to dig them up and store them over winter:<br /><ol><li><b>Cannas.</b> In the fall, allow the frost to kill off the green foliage, but do not allow the rhizomes underground to freeze. When digging up, carefully lift the rhizome and stem out of the ground and cut off the dead top portion of the plant. Clean off the excess soil and allow the rhizome to dry, then wrap in newspaper and store indoors in boxes or paper bags at 45-50 degrees (F). Replant in early spring once temperatures are over 70 degrees (F).<br /><br /></li><li><b>Dahlia</b>s. These perennial bulbs may be overwintered in the ground in some regions, with sufficient mulch, but for most areas it is much safer to dig the dahlias up before there is a hard freeze. (A light freeze that kills off the top foliage is fine). Do not let the tuber dry out during storage. It is best to overwinter them in some peat moss, checking to make sure they do not get too dried out, and misting lightly as needed. You can plant them back into the garden once nighttime temperatures are above 50 (F).<br /><br /></li><li><b>Tuberous Begonias.</b> Allow a light frost to kill off the top foliage, but do not let the tubers themselves freeze. Lift carefully from ground, and let the tuber dry for about a week, leaving at least 5 inches of the top foliage on the plant. Store in peat moss or sawdust about 50 degrees (F) during winter months, and then replant in early spring once daytime temperatures are above 60 degrees (F) and all danger of frost has passed.</li></ol>For more information about <a href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-to-store-your-fall-planted.html">storing perennial bulbs</a>, <a href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com/2009/06/when-and-how-to-divide-your-perennial.html">dividing your perennial bulbs</a> and <a href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-to-plant-perennial-flower-bulbs.html">planting and selecting perennial bulbs</a> for your garden, please return to the <a href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com/">Perennial Bulbs Home Page</a>.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-57935463229658571902009-06-08T15:55:00.000-07:002009-06-08T15:56:02.068-07:00Perennial Bulb Profile: The Crocus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G6e9Jjz6dRrIkZL8RzfQoSamBUEObkKKvrWoG0UQ5M8Tqa3NPcX8hg-q_9d4y-xzQaNcBNVBsiDoohOUB15b6cKtEN6cMJNmhhvF6Sxz92U9h_GJWN8x6xreDMYbCDNW2eU0B1IIUY8/s1600-h/crocus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G6e9Jjz6dRrIkZL8RzfQoSamBUEObkKKvrWoG0UQ5M8Tqa3NPcX8hg-q_9d4y-xzQaNcBNVBsiDoohOUB15b6cKtEN6cMJNmhhvF6Sxz92U9h_GJWN8x6xreDMYbCDNW2eU0B1IIUY8/s200/crocus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344000572640129570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">The crocus is one of the easiest <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">perennial bulbs</span> to grow and also one of the earliest perennial bulbs to bloom each year. Once established in an area, it will also easily propagate itself to cover wide spaces (for an example, see the photo at the left of crocuses growing wild in the Swiss alps). <i>C. nudiflorus </i>is a variety that is easy to naturalize on large lawn spaces.</span><br /><br />Crocuses are grown from corms, a type of perennial bulb. They are hardy for zones three through nine, and flowers come in a range of colors (yellow, purple, white and lavender are most common). Hybrid varieties are a bit less hardy, and are best for forcing indoors. They are small perennial bulbs, generally under six inches in height. They look wonderful in lawn spaces, growing in containers, and on the borders of perennial beds.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Crocus Sativa</span> is the source of the valuable spice saffron. If you are growing this variety, you will notice some small red thread like flower part (the stigma) at the center of each bloom. If you are interested in saving your own saffron: you should remove and dry the red stigma found in the center of the flower bloom after the bloom as died, and then store these dried stigmas in an airtight container to use later in cooking. Do make sure, however, that you are growing the correct variety of crocus before attempting this, as some varieties are poisonous.<br /><br />If you are starting a new patch of crocus perennial bulbs, here are some tips to help them get off to a good start:<br /><ol><li>Plant them in a sunny area, preferably in full sun</li><li>Try to plant many in the same area, preferably twenty to thirty bulbs in each spot that you are growing them in</li><li>Space each perennial crocus bulb three to four inches apart from each other</li><li>Plant each perennial crocus bulb two to three inches deep.</li></ol>Because of their early blooming habit, these perennial bulbs are a must for most gardeners.<br /><br />For even more tips and suggestions on perennial bulbs, please return to the <a href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com/">Perennial Bulbs Home Page</a>.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br />Photo by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eiger.jpg">Martin Zahnd</a></span><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-45502798511637924122009-06-02T21:13:00.000-07:002010-11-26T11:16:39.956-08:00When and How to Divide Your Perennial BulbsOne of the advantages of using <span style="font-weight: bold;">perennial bulbs</span> is that as the years go by, you will be able to divide a single plant into many different perennial bulbs. Knowing when to divide your perennial bulbs is in fact crucial to the continued health of your perennial flowers, since crowded bulbs will produce less and less as the years go by, while those that have been divided will continue to flourish.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When to Divide Your Perennial Bulbs</span><br /><br />Generally, perennial bulbs are divided in the spring. Each year you should keep an eye on your perennial bulb plants, and mark those which seem to be performing poorly. It is likely that those are ready to be divided. You can also look and see if you see any "heaving" at the base of the plant - another sign that the planet would benefit from division. Most perennial bulbs should be divided every three to five years.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How to Divide Your Perennial Bulbs</span><br /><br />This is not a difficult task. In fact, I find it analogous to digging potatoes and am often excited by the treasures that can be found at the base of each perennial bulb plant. <br /><br />First you need to lift the entire plant out of the ground using a shovel. Dig deep and wide, to keep from damaging any portion of the plants bulb system or roots. Once you have dug up the plant, try to clean it of excess soil by shaking it. Once the excess soil is gone, you will be able to see that the bulb is actually made up of several "bulblets" (or rhizomes) that can be easily broken off, or if necessary, cut off with a sharp knife. Do not worry excessively about damaging the plant when removing bulbs, it will recover quickly and will benefit greatly from the division. However, do discard any parts that seem to be bad - either rotting, mushy or smelly.<br /><br />Do divide the bulbs into good size portions, however, so they will get off to a good start (do not divide them too small, in other words). Make sure each bulb has plenty of roots attached to it as well. Once you have divided the bulb clump into many different bulblets, you should replant all the bulbs at the same depth of the original plant (or give away the extras if you do not have space for them - they make wonderful gifts!).<br /><br />Do make sure that if you do not plant them right away into the ground that they never dry out, as this will destroy the bulb. If you plan to store the bulbs, you may want to refer to my article on <a href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-to-store-your-fall-planted.html">How to Store Perennial Bulbs</a> to help you care for them while in storage.<br /><br />Those are the basics of dividing your perennial bulb plants. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZmQophbNAeOq7AY-NDdWYcEj3ewwhHQic_opcgruymkjv3ntuSx1ShrxD0Ss4rMDz-YcW2Jf0_mDaw1tsVuH6Q4J_xPt1vHnurDXrH9QVytCSmALvhsat4lkZZH6pVMTGHuqugykwQU/s1600/Bulb+Book.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZmQophbNAeOq7AY-NDdWYcEj3ewwhHQic_opcgruymkjv3ntuSx1ShrxD0Ss4rMDz-YcW2Jf0_mDaw1tsVuH6Q4J_xPt1vHnurDXrH9QVytCSmALvhsat4lkZZH6pVMTGHuqugykwQU/s320/Bulb+Book.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543937047350164594" /></a>For more information about perennial bulb gardening, I strongly recommend you consider picking up a copy of Anna Pavord's lovely book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845335325?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1845335325"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bulb</span></a>.<br /><br />In the book you will find nearly six hundred different entries about different bulbs and tubers you can grow, including detailed descriptions of the blooms, the plant size, hardiness levels, native areas they are found in, and their bloom seasons. The book is wonderfully written and each entry contains photographs of individual bulb blossoms. Easily one of the most definitive books on the topic, and a necessity for any serious perennial bulb gardener! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845335325?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1845335325">Click here to get it on sale now at Amazon.com</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-62139792941075910642009-05-29T05:07:00.000-07:002010-11-26T11:15:43.484-08:00When to Plant Your Perennial BulbsWhen you plant your <span style="font-weight: bold;">perennial bulbs </span>is largely determined by what zone you live in, although because of season fluctuations, you may be safer by checking your soil temperature before you plant as well. The goal with planting perennial bulbs in the fall, is to allow them enough time to start developing a root system before going dormant over winter, but not too much time as that they will start to sprout green growth on top.<br /><br />One way to determine if it is time to plant your perennial bulbs in the fall is to check the soil temperature. In general, the soil should be below 60 degrees Fahrenheit when you put your perennial bulbs in the ground.<br /><br />In terms of planting zones, perennial bulbs should be planted in September or October for most climate zones. But if you live in a region warmer than zone 5, here are some suggestions as to when is the best time to plant your perennial bulbs:<br /><ul><li>If you live in Zones 6 or 7, you should plant your perennial bulbs in late October and early November<br /><br /></li><li>If you live in Zones 8 or 9, perennial bulbs should be planted in late November or early December. The perennial bulbs will also need to be cold treated at least six weeks before planting. (You can cold treat your perennial bulbs by storing them in the refrigerator during this period).<br /><br /></li><li>If you live in Zone 10, your perennial bulbs should be planted in late December and early January. The perennial bulbs will need to be cold treated for at least eight weeks before planting.<br /></li></ul>By following these instructions, you should be on your way to success with your fall planted perennial bulbs. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZmQophbNAeOq7AY-NDdWYcEj3ewwhHQic_opcgruymkjv3ntuSx1ShrxD0Ss4rMDz-YcW2Jf0_mDaw1tsVuH6Q4J_xPt1vHnurDXrH9QVytCSmALvhsat4lkZZH6pVMTGHuqugykwQU/s1600/Bulb+Book.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZmQophbNAeOq7AY-NDdWYcEj3ewwhHQic_opcgruymkjv3ntuSx1ShrxD0Ss4rMDz-YcW2Jf0_mDaw1tsVuH6Q4J_xPt1vHnurDXrH9QVytCSmALvhsat4lkZZH6pVMTGHuqugykwQU/s320/Bulb+Book.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543937047350164594" /></a>For more information about perennial bulb gardening, I strongly recommend you consider picking up a copy of Anna Pavord's lovely book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845335325?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1845335325"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bulb</span></a>.<br /><br />In the book you will find nearly six hundred different entries about different bulbs and tubers you can grow, including detailed descriptions of the blooms, the plant size, hardiness levels, native areas they are found in, and their bloom seasons. The book is wonderfully written and each entry contains photographs of individual bulb blossoms. Easily one of the most definitive books on the topic, and a necessity for any serious perennial bulb gardener! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845335325?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1845335325">Click here to get it on sale now at Amazon.com</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-29196253793685425192009-05-28T05:50:00.000-07:002010-11-26T11:17:11.626-08:00How to Store Your Fall-Planted Perennial BulbsAt this time of year, many online perennial bulbs retailers are starting to have their yearly sales, and it is a great time to stock up on perennial bulbs to plant this fall. However, after your perennial bulbs arrive, you will have the challenge of keeping them in good condition until you can plant them a few months from now. How do you keep your perennial bulbs healthy and happy?<br /><br />Most fall-planted perennial bulbs need to be stored in a place that is cool and well ventilated. Generally, a temperature range of 55-65 degrees (F) is ideal, although you can store most perennial bulbs a bit cooler. Many people find that their refrigerator is the best place to keep their perennial bulbs during the hot summer days. If you choose this option, you should try to keep your perennial bulbs stored on open trays in the fridge (to prevent rot), and be sure not to store the perennial bulbs with any produce that produces ethylene gas (apples or pears, for example). Ethylene gas can cause perennial bulbs to abort their flowers once they are planted.<br /><br />By following these simple instructions, you should be prepared come fall to plant your perennial bulbs. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZmQophbNAeOq7AY-NDdWYcEj3ewwhHQic_opcgruymkjv3ntuSx1ShrxD0Ss4rMDz-YcW2Jf0_mDaw1tsVuH6Q4J_xPt1vHnurDXrH9QVytCSmALvhsat4lkZZH6pVMTGHuqugykwQU/s1600/Bulb+Book.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZmQophbNAeOq7AY-NDdWYcEj3ewwhHQic_opcgruymkjv3ntuSx1ShrxD0Ss4rMDz-YcW2Jf0_mDaw1tsVuH6Q4J_xPt1vHnurDXrH9QVytCSmALvhsat4lkZZH6pVMTGHuqugykwQU/s320/Bulb+Book.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543937047350164594" /></a>For more information about perennial bulb gardening, I strongly recommend you consider picking up a copy of Anna Pavord's lovely book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845335325?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1845335325"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bulb</span></a>.<br /><br />In the book you will find nearly six hundred different entries about different bulbs and tubers you can grow, including detailed descriptions of the blooms, the plant size, hardiness levels, native areas they are found in, and their bloom seasons. The book is wonderfully written and each entry contains photographs of individual bulb blossoms. Easily one of the most definitive books on the topic, and a necessity for any serious perennial bulb gardener! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845335325?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1845335325">Click here to get it on sale now at Amazon.com</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-80151687738422304422009-05-27T05:22:00.000-07:002009-05-29T16:20:33.037-07:00Daylilies: An Easy to Grow and Propagate Perennial Bulb<span style="font-weight: bold;">Perennial Bulbs Plant Profile: </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Daylily_%28Hemerocallis_fulva%29_v2.jpg">The Daylily</a><br /><br />Daylilies are one of the easiest to grow flowers from perennial bulbs. They are suitable to grow from zones 3 to 9, tolerant of a wide variety of soil conditions, have few diseases and pests, and will return to bloom each summer with almost no maintenance.<br /><p>Daylilies Latin name, Hereocallis, means "beauty for a day" and this well describes the behavior of this perennial bulb. Each day, the daylily flowers will open in the morning, and then at night they will close and die. However, each perennial bulb will have more than a dozen flower buds growing on it, and each plant will bloom daily for several weeks.</p><p>Daylilies are a great perennial bulbs to interplant with other earlier spring-flowering perennial bulbs, such as <a href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com/2009/05/perennial-bulb-profile-tulip.html">tulips</a> or <a href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com/2009/05/perennial-bulb-profile-daffodil.html">daffodils</a>, since their foliage will help hide the dying foliage from their earlier perennial bulbs counterparts. Daylilies look wondeful when planted in mass along a fence or a walkway. There are thousands of different daylily types to choose from. Cultivars range in hight from six inches to 3 feet tall, you will find a wide variety of colors, blooming time and flower types (trumpet shaped, double, ruffled and more).<br /></p><p></p><p>Daylilies do best when they are planted in areas of your garden that receive full sun and well-drained soil, although there are some types that will thrive in <a href="http://shade-perennial-garden.blogspot.com/2009/05/easy-to-grow-shade-loving-perennials.html">partial shade</a> as well. When planted right, they will flower for years with little care from the gardener. The only task you will find that you need to do is to divide them every four or five year, to keep them from becoming too crowded. You should divide your daylilies during late summer - dig up the clumps and seperate it into several separate plants (called fans) and make sure each one you plan to replant has a healthy root system.<br /></p><p>For more information on the planting and care of perennial bulbs like daylilies, please return to the <a href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com/">Perennial Bulbs Home Page</a>.<br /></p><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-5356704613946556772009-05-26T06:41:00.000-07:002009-05-26T06:41:00.815-07:00Spring Planted Perennial BulbsMost <span style="font-weight: bold;">perennial bulbs</span> are planted in the fall, overwintered, and then in the spring time their colorful blooms burst forth. If you have planted tulips or daffodils, for examples, you will know that these perennial bulbs are planted during the fall so that they will have time to develop adequate root structure come the following spring, which is necessary for those beautiful flowers to bloom.<br /><br />But there is another class of perennial bulbs that gardeners can plant in the spring. These are generally perennial bulbs that bloom in the later summer or early fall. Since these perennial bulbs bloom later in the season, they will have time to develop adequate root structure prior to blooming if planted early enough in the springtime.<br /><br />And yet another class of perennial bulbs are often planted in the springtime. These are perennial bulbs that are too tender for the region the gardener is in, and thus they must be treated as annuals since they will not survive winter temperatures below a certain degree.<br /><br />Some popular bulbs planted in the spring for later color in the season include <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gladiolus_7-19-06.JPG">Gladiola</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kwiat_Dalii.JPG">Dahlia</a> and some Lilies (such as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Calla_palustris2.jpg">Calla Lily</a>). Gladiolas are grown from corms and bloom on average eight to nine weeks after planting. Dahlias are tender tubers that bloom in late summer and early autumn. Tender lily species like the Calla Lily are also planted in early spring after danger of frost has passed, and will bloom late spring to early summer.<br /><br />You can greatly extend your perennial bulb garden variety and selection by using both spring and fall planted perennial bulbs. I encourage you to try out some the above perennial bulbs in your garden this spring! To read even more about perennial bulbs, including other selections and advice on planting and caring for your perennial bulbs, please return to the <a href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com">Perennial Bulbs Home Page</a>.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-46761088151917335582009-05-25T13:44:00.000-07:002009-05-25T23:00:00.206-07:00Spring Blowout at Blooming BulbThere are many places I shop online to purchase perennial bulbs, but Blooming Bulb is one of my favorites. I just got an email that for today (May 25th) until midnight, they are having their Spring Blowout sale. You'll be able to save up to 45% on perennial bulbs and more at their store.<br /><br />I don't receive any kind of commission or endorsement from Blooming Bulb, and this is not a sponsored review. I just wanted to pass the savings on to other perennial bulb enthusiasts out there who might appreciate the sale. You can follow this link to get to their website:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bloomingbulb.com/">http://www.bloomingbulb.com/</a><br /><br />I've placed several orders for perennial bulbs with this company, and found their service to be superb and shipping to be quick. But the sale ends tonight, so you'll have to act fast if you want to buy perennial bulbs from them to plant this spring or fall.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-64966792117856718752009-05-21T22:00:00.000-07:002009-05-21T22:22:03.733-07:00Sweetest Smelling Perennial BulbsA fragrant garden full of <span style="font-weight: bold;">perennial bulbs</span> can be an amazing sensory experience for gardeners and visitors alike. Here are a few of the most fragrant perennial bulbs that you can find for your flower gardens:<br /><br />1) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Garden_Hyacinth_Hyacinthus_orientalis_%27Purple_Voice%27_Flower_1644px.JPG">Hyacinths</a>. Not only do these perennial bulb flowers have an amazing fragrance, their blooms are long lasting as well. Plants are usually around a foot tall, and flowers come in a wide array of colors that can suite almost any garden palette.<br /><br />2) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Iris_wattii_4.jpg">Bearded Iris</a>. These flowers are known both for their interesting blooms and their amazing fragrance. Grown from rhizomes, they are an excellent addition to any garden setting.<br /><br />3) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Freesia.jpg">Freesia</a> are a favorite of many perennial bulb gardeners. They have delicate white or golden flowers with a strong, sweet citrus scent to them. Just a single flower can scent an entire house!<span class="sitewide"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"></span></span></span> Freesias bloom in the springtime and are quite easy to plant and propagate.<br /><br />4) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Narcissus_tazetta.jpg">Paperwhite Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta)</a> are also extremely fragrant perennial bulbs. They are often forced indoors during winter, and their strong, sweet scent can also easily fill an entire house.<br /><br />By growing just a few of these, or all four, you will soon have an amazingly fragrant garden full of long live perennial bulbs!<br /><br />To read more tips about how to garden with perennial bulbs and profiles of different perennial bulbs, please visit the <a href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com">Perennial Bulbs Home Page</a>.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-80313646662437918982009-05-20T21:06:00.001-07:002009-05-20T21:29:01.357-07:00Perennial Bulb Profile: Daffodil (Narcissus)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2iYW_q3aW4_taizwJw55HMmJJ5N_oK6CE0bqnKRpImseKc2poqA-GIhzwi0z4fh-PXInRK2bstSeam7upuBCfH_q5tifblHv3zxA2c5XoNu3tQM1O55jP_2Ba4Ho9WTznoU2cbjsv0s/s1600-h/daffod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 101px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2iYW_q3aW4_taizwJw55HMmJJ5N_oK6CE0bqnKRpImseKc2poqA-GIhzwi0z4fh-PXInRK2bstSeam7upuBCfH_q5tifblHv3zxA2c5XoNu3tQM1O55jP_2Ba4Ho9WTznoU2cbjsv0s/s200/daffod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338129454946155090" border="0" /></a>For me, the daffodil seems to embody the essence of spring time. They are easy perennial bulbs to plant and to propagate, although their taxonomy can be a bit difficult to understand at time.<br /><br />Daffodils are also known by their Latin botanical name, Narcissus. They are spring-flowering bulbs that belong to the Amaryllis family of plants. Daffodil is the common English name for these flowers, and the common name has been taken up by some major horticultural associations, including the American Daffodil Society. The number of species the grown both in the wild and under cultivation varies widely according to author and source, but at least a hundred different species appear to be in existence, including hybrids.<br /><br />Although as the daffodil in Western folklore is associated with vanity (after Narcissus), in Chinese lore they are a symbol of wealth and are associated with the Chinese New Year celebrations. Spring blooming perennial bulbs like the daffodil are generally planted in the fall in most regions in the United States and Europe. The daffodil can survive in an area that receives some light shade, although they will not do will in areas of full shade. Large perennial bulbs should be planted to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, medium perennial bulbs should be planted between 3-6 inches deep, and smaller size bulbs can be planted at a depth of 2-3 inches.<br /><br />Be sure that any area you plant perennial bulbs in has well drained, rich soil. Never mow down the foliage of perennial bulbs while still green. Instead wait until the perennial bulbs foliage has turned yellow before removing if you want the flowers to return the next year. Be sure you daffodils receive adequate moisture as well throughout the growing season. Like most perennial bulbs, one daffodil plant can yield many over the years. Every five to ten years you should divide the plant in early summer into many different clusters.<br /><br />With care and planning, you will soon be on your way to a beautiful daffodil filled garden area. For even more information about perennial bulbs, including more advice on planting and selecting perennial bulbs, please return to the <a href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com/">Perennial Bulbs Home Page</a>.<br /><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-59379127648929361142009-05-17T14:18:00.000-07:002009-05-17T21:05:44.718-07:00Perennial Bulbs: What Are Perennial Bulbs?<span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Perennial bulbs</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> refer to any plant that contains an underground nutrient storage organ. There are actually are many different types of perennial bulbs and it is useful to know the differences between these various forms of perennial bulbs.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">First, there are </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >true perennial bulbs. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">True perennial bulbs are probably what most people think of when they refer to perennial bulbs, and these include the popular perennial bulb types such as tulips and daffodils. These bulbs are made from nascent leaves that are attached together by a flat basal plate. The nascent perennial leaves surround what will be the following season's flower bud. Some true perennial bulbs also have a paper like outer covering around the bulb (example: tulips), while others will have fleshy scales (example: lilies).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Next, there are </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Corm.jpg">corms</a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >,</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> another form of perennial bulb that looks much like true perennial bulbs, but when they are cut open you will see that inside is a solid stem instead of nascent leaves. Probably one of the most popular perennial bulbs grown from corms are </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Crocus_longiflorus1.jpg">crocuses.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Next, there are </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >tubers</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">. There are two types of tubers: stem tubers and root tubers. Stem tubers are perennial bulbs that have modified stems like crocuses instead of a basal plate or tunic. Probably the best known stem tuber is the potato. Tubers have growth buds on them called eyes that both roots and shoots will sprout from once planted. There are also tuberous roots tubers, that only include the root portion of the plant. </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kwiat_Dalii.JPG">Dahlias</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> are a well known form of root tuber.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Finally, we have </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Iris_rhizome_p1150371.jpg">rhizomes</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">, which are thickened underground stem systems that grow horizontally underground. Rhizomes are a form of perennial bulb that can often spread quickly. An example of a popular rhizome based perennial bulb is the </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Iris_%27Mary_Todd%27.jpg">Bearded Iris</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Hopefully these descriptions will help you as you prepare your perennial bulb garden plans. For even more information about perennial bulbs, please return to the </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com/">Perennial Bulbs Home Page</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">.</span><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:100%;" ></span><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div style="font-family: georgia;" id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div style="font-family: georgia;" id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div style="font-family: georgia;" id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div style="font-family: georgia;" id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-42593998531289270272009-05-16T22:35:00.000-07:002009-05-17T12:00:26.234-07:00Perennial Bulb Profile: The Tulip<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBU0H2f8YuxW1zWi2MBAPRGPlvH7ZEUB_OEs49KvHwKWl1CHpcwrrRiBTx2GYYkKA7K-lFYL2rTt14AgA3GeXdKQXP39q8KRsAvnGNOF6sJxdPoi5Y87jj1vTuDAfo81dDsX6DoMl3wE/s1600-h/tulips.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBU0H2f8YuxW1zWi2MBAPRGPlvH7ZEUB_OEs49KvHwKWl1CHpcwrrRiBTx2GYYkKA7K-lFYL2rTt14AgA3GeXdKQXP39q8KRsAvnGNOF6sJxdPoi5Y87jj1vTuDAfo81dDsX6DoMl3wE/s200/tulips.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336665166620544914" border="0" /></a>Tulips are a favorite of many perennial bulb gardeners, and for good reason. Tulips come in such a vast array of colors, shapes and sizes and are bound to please almost any perennial flower lover. Tulips are also fairly easy to plant and maintain, and once planted, their color spectacle will last for years.<br /><br />Tulips belong to a genus of approximately 150 different species belonging to the plant family Liliaceae. They were originally native to north Africa and parts of Asia and China. We get the name "Tulip" from the Persian Empire (not Holland, as some may think), and it was the Turks who first brought the Tulip to Europe.<br /><br />The tulip is a perennial bulb originally from mountainous regions that had temperate climates. They need a period of cold weather dormancy yearly in order to keep blooming, and in warm areas they must be grown as annuals. Some gardeners in warm climates try planting perennial bulbs that need winter dormancy very deep, twelve inches or more, in order to help extend their life, and this may allow you to get more than one blooming period (possibly two or three years instead) if you live in a warm climate. Another option is to dig up your bulbs each season and give them cool treatment in your refrigerator for several months before replanting (if you decide to do this, you need to mark their location well).<br /><br />Tulips are generally planted in late summer or early fall. You should plant your tulip bulbs between four and eight inches deep, in an area which is moist but also well drained. After the flowers have died down, you should allow the green foliage to die back on its own (do not mow it or chop it down if you want flowers the following year).<br /><br />For more information on selecting and planting perennial bulbs like tulips, please read my other articles on these specific topics (listed on the right of this web page).<br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-71917606031986437522009-05-16T12:01:00.000-07:002010-11-26T11:18:39.823-08:00Planting Perennial Bulbs: Tips for Success<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhk1JHGUSeaV9bLUgGhkxnswNZch75Hy0jOBLoEq4lAfNNHJ4J4H920qMhJLdVAAz9vGcQ2GG4jA62xQtAHuVsjapUkLG0ajjX0HDrqx3PHLW4Cbj3uKBMnMjByZJCqTPlgTFF-vXRWY/s1600-h/daffod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 73px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhk1JHGUSeaV9bLUgGhkxnswNZch75Hy0jOBLoEq4lAfNNHJ4J4H920qMhJLdVAAz9vGcQ2GG4jA62xQtAHuVsjapUkLG0ajjX0HDrqx3PHLW4Cbj3uKBMnMjByZJCqTPlgTFF-vXRWY/s200/daffod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336501731734436898" border="0" /></a>When planting your perennial bulbs, care should be taken to ensure they make it through the winter months (if fall planted bulbs). Depth of planting and spacing are important when you put the perennial bulbs in the ground. Here are some tips to help you succeed with your perennial bulb plantings:<ul style="font-family:georgia;"><li><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span>For most bulbs, a planting depth of five inches (for smaller bulbs) to eight inches (for larger bulbs) is best.</li><li>The soil in the area you are planting should be prepared prior to planting so you don't have to disturb the perennial bulbs later.</li><li>Two to three inches of mulch should be applied over the planting area after the bulbs are in the ground, to keep the area moist and weed free. Perennial bulbs will rot in wet ground, however, so make sure the area drains well.<br /></li><li>Most spring and summer bulbs are planted in the fall, so that the bulbs have time to develop a good root system over the winter. You should keep this in mind when planning and ordering perennial bulbs for your garden. Fall blooming perennial bulbs, however, are generally planted in the spring after the last frost date.<br /></li><li>Some bulbs require cold treatments before planting if you are in a zone that does not normally freeze during winter. This can often be accomplished by putting your perennial bulbs in the refrigerator for several weeks, but care should be taken they are not stored with vegetables or fruits that put off ethylene gas, which can cause "flower abortion" problems with the perennial bulbs later on.</li></ul><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZmQophbNAeOq7AY-NDdWYcEj3ewwhHQic_opcgruymkjv3ntuSx1ShrxD0Ss4rMDz-YcW2Jf0_mDaw1tsVuH6Q4J_xPt1vHnurDXrH9QVytCSmALvhsat4lkZZH6pVMTGHuqugykwQU/s1600/Bulb+Book.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZmQophbNAeOq7AY-NDdWYcEj3ewwhHQic_opcgruymkjv3ntuSx1ShrxD0Ss4rMDz-YcW2Jf0_mDaw1tsVuH6Q4J_xPt1vHnurDXrH9QVytCSmALvhsat4lkZZH6pVMTGHuqugykwQU/s320/Bulb+Book.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543937047350164594" /></a>For more information about perennial bulb gardening, I strongly recommend you consider picking up a copy of Anna Pavord's lovely book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845335325?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1845335325"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bulb</span></a>.<br /><br />In the book you will find nearly six hundred different entries about different bulbs and tubers you can grow, including detailed descriptions of the blooms, the plant size, hardiness levels, native areas they are found in, and their bloom seasons. The book is wonderfully written and each entry contains photographs of individual bulb blossoms. Easily one of the most definitive books on the topic, and a necessity for any serious perennial bulb gardener! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845335325?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1845335325">Click here to get it on sale now at Amazon.com</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-81215468386831858552009-05-04T21:21:00.000-07:002010-11-26T11:15:05.337-08:00Perennial Bulbs: Choosing and DesigningOnce you have selected and prepared your garden site for your perennial bulb flower garden, the next step will be selecting which varieties and colors you will plant, and then putting them in the ground. Here are some tips for choosing and planting your perennial bulbs:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Purchasing Perennial Bulbs</span><br /><br />Choose the best quality bulbs you can afford if you want flowers quickly. Discounted, small and misshapen bulbs may take years to flower, if at all. If you are purchasing from a plant nursery and are able to inspect the bulbs yourself, select those perennial bulbs that have no visible blemishes or cuts. Perennial bulbs should be firm to touch, no soft spots anywhere.<br /><br />There are a variety of garden catalogs that also sell perennial bulbs online. When buying online you will not be able to select the bulbs yourself, so it is even more important that the bulbs are listed as top grade so you will not be disappointed come next spring.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Designing with Perennial Bulbs</span><br /><br />You may want to consider planting an early spring perennial bulb garden in a spot where you can enjoy it from indoors as well as outdoors. Placing your perennial bulb flower garden in view of a large window will allow you to enjoy early spring colors even when it is cold outside. But you should also consider what the space will look like once the flowers have faded. You should not mow or cut the foliage down if you want to have blooms again the next year, and the fading leaves are often not an attractive site and you may want to consider planting other plants in the same area that can distract from the fading foliage during the rest of the year.<br /><br />When you think about designing your perennial bulb flower garden you should also consider color combination schemes. Are the colors you are selecting bulbs for complementary, or will they clash? Finally, find out what the blooming periods are for each bulb species and coordinate these as well. When done well, your perennial bulbs will provide beautiful color for months each year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZmQophbNAeOq7AY-NDdWYcEj3ewwhHQic_opcgruymkjv3ntuSx1ShrxD0Ss4rMDz-YcW2Jf0_mDaw1tsVuH6Q4J_xPt1vHnurDXrH9QVytCSmALvhsat4lkZZH6pVMTGHuqugykwQU/s1600/Bulb+Book.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZmQophbNAeOq7AY-NDdWYcEj3ewwhHQic_opcgruymkjv3ntuSx1ShrxD0Ss4rMDz-YcW2Jf0_mDaw1tsVuH6Q4J_xPt1vHnurDXrH9QVytCSmALvhsat4lkZZH6pVMTGHuqugykwQU/s320/Bulb+Book.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543937047350164594" /></a>For more information about perennial bulb gardening, I strongly recommend you consider picking up a copy of Anna Pavord's lovely book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845335325?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1845335325"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bulb</span></a>.<br /><br />In the book you will find nearly six hundred different entries about different bulbs and tubers you can grow, including detailed descriptions of the blooms, the plant size, hardiness levels, native areas they are found in, and their bloom seasons. The book is wonderfully written and each entry contains photographs of individual bulb blossoms. Easily one of the most definitive books on the topic, and a necessity for any serious perennial bulb gardener! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845335325?ie=UTF8&tag=gardeperenpla-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1845335325">Click here to get it on sale now at Amazon.com</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-9128657772684192262009-04-22T11:50:00.000-07:002009-05-02T11:52:21.841-07:00Welcome to Perennial BulbsWelcome to perennial bulbs. This purpose of this website is to provide easy to read and accessible information about using perennial bulbs in your garden and landscaping projects. I hope you enjoy your visit to this site, and if you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to drop me a line.<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4165788381302111633.post-6548191931960723172009-04-21T18:02:00.000-07:002009-05-04T08:36:06.590-07:00Privacy Policy<blockquote><p>Privacy Policy for perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com.</p> <p>The privacy of our visitors to perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com is important to us. </p> <p>At perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com, we recognize that privacy of your personal information is important. Here is information on what types of personal information we receive and collect when you use and visit perennial-bulbs.blogspot.com, and how we safeguard your information. 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