SPRING FLOWER BULBS

Flower bulbs that bloom during early spring are planted in the fall. They are winter hardy and can be left in the ground year around.  Spring flower bulbs and many perennial plantss are planted in the spring and bloom later in the year, either late spring, summer or in the fall.  Many will grow in most parts of the United States. 

USES
Some uses for growing spring flower bulbs include growing them in flower gardens, in borders along the sides of buildings, sidewalks or driveways, cutting them for flower arrangements, and growing them in containers for indoors or outdoors.  Most of the short growing flower bulbs can be planting in rock gardens.  Many short as well as tall growning flower bulbs are great for landscaping and many are maintenance free.

PLANTING SPRING FLOWER BULBS
Plant flower bulbs as soon as they arrive or after the danger of frost has passed when planted in the spring.  If they are not planted within a few days, store them in a dry, cool place until you are ready to plant them.  Flower bulbs are usually shipped in a dormant state so they should keep just fine for a couple of weeks.  Keep in mind that flower bulbs will be using up their stored nutrition during this time.  Follow any planting instructions provided by the supplier.  If your flower bulbs were given to you by a friend, or purchased at a yard sale, follow these instructions:
 
Generally, flower bulbs are planted twice as deep as they are tall.  With the pointed side up or the roots down.  With some flower bulbs it is hard to tell which side goes up or down.  In this case we suggest putting the bulb in the hole sideways.  Most will know which way is up and will grow as normal. 

Flower Bulbs can be planted individually or in groups. To layer different types of flower bulbs in the same dug out area, use a shovel to dig a flat area to the deepest depth needed.  Place bulbs in the hole then cover the area with soil to the next deepest depth needed.  Repeat as needed.  Then just watch the bulbs grow to produce their beautiful flower blooms.

SOIL
Flower bulbs will easily grow in most well drained soils.  If the soil is dense, lighten it up with organic material.  Soil that stays wet will most likely rot flower bulbs.

FERTILIZING
Flower bulbs get their nutrients from their leaves which is stored them in their bulbs.  Therefore, the leaves should not be cut until after they turn yellow and start to wither.  Since the flower bulbs store and produce their own nutrients, fertilizing may not even be necessary depending the soil.  If the ground needs to be fertilized, bonemeal should be used. 

CARING FOR FLOWER BULBS
After the flower bulbs bloom, the flowers and stems may be cut off.  However, the foliage should be left alone as long as it is green.  In colder areas, some bulbs may need to be dug up and stored for the winter.  Many spring flower bulbs can be left in the ground in warmer climates. In cooler climates, some flower bulbs may need to be mulched or dug up.