Bulb Planting and Care Instructions
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Tulips
Plant tulips in late fall in humus-rich, sandy, well-drained soil. Grow them where they will get at least 5-6
hours of sun a day; full sun is preferable. Dig the soil to a depth of 8-12" and work in a Bulb Booster or
other bulb food. Set the bulbs 4-8" deep and 4-8" apart, depending on size and variety. After the ground
has frozen in winter, mulch with straw or hay. After flowering, remove the head of the tulip but allow the stem
and foliage to die back naturally. Tulips perform best their first year; many gardeners treat them as annuals,
discarding the plants after they finish blooming. Extensive testing in recent years has proven that if a
slow-release fertilizer such as Bulb Booster is applied, you can expect more than one year of flowers out of most
varieties of tulips. Many early-flowering species, as well as Darwin Hybrid Tulips, come back year after year
with no effort.
In Zones 8-10, refrigerate the bulbs for about 8 weeks at 40-45 degrees. In the garden plant the bulbs after
Nov. 1 6-8" deep in a lightly shady area to keep the bulbs as cool as possible. Dig and discard the tulips
after they bloom.
Tulips are often planted in rows, but the result is a formal look, much like soldiers lined up in ranks. For a
more informal look, plant them in groups of 5-11 or more in naturalswathes. The best advice we can give is
"plant bouquets." Plant several different varieties of tulips throughout the garden to extend the
blooming time. Hardy in Zones 3-7.
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Daffodils (Narcissus)
In fall, plant bulbs in deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Plant 6" apart
and 8" deep in groups of 5, 7, 9 or more. Consider planting them under deciduous trees that will not
leaf out until after the narcissus have bloomed. Water during their growth period. After flowers bloom,
let the foliage die back naturally. Once the foliage fades, cut it back. Narcissus can be left undisturbed
to naturalize for years. To transplant narcissus, dig and divide the bulbs after the foliage has turned brown
and replant at once. If you cannot plant bulbs immediately, store in a cool, airy place. Hardy in Zones 3-8.
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Hyacinths
In fall, plant hyacinths in full sun to light shade in fast-draining, rich soil. Plant in clumps of 3-4 bulbs
about 4-6" deep and 4-8" apart. Keep well watered during the growing season. Mulch lightly for winter
protection. Hardy in Zones 4-10.
Indoor Culture - Hyacinths are one of the easiest bulbs to force. Use top size and large bedding hyacinths for
indoor forcing. Plant 3 to 5 bulbs in an 8" pot in a good quality sandy soil so that the top of the bulb
is even with the soil surface. Water thoroughly and bury in the garden for 3 months. They may also be kept in
a cold (30-40 degrees) dark place. Water as necessary to keep soil lightly moist. Bring plants in when there
is 1-2" of growth. Gradually expose to light and warmth.
Hyacinths can also be grown in water in a hyacinth glass. Place the bulb in the top half of the glass. Fill
the bottom of the glass to within 1/4" of the bottom of the bulb. Place in a cool area, 40-50 degrees,
adding water as necessary until the lower section is filled with roots. When the top growth is about 1-2"
tall, move the glass to a cool, bright room. Within several weeks it will bloom.
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Colchicum (Autumn Crocus)
IMPORTANT - PLANT IMMEDIATELY. Open carton and plant as soon as you get the bulbs or they may bloom in the
carton. Plant in August or September in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Plant 4"
deep and 6" apart. Flowers appear soon after planting. Foliage will develop in spring but will wither by
early summer. Hardy in Zones 4-9.
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Lilium (Lily)
Plant lilies as soon as they arrive. Take care not to break off any stalks or growth that may be on the bulb.
Choose a sunny spot, with light, porous, sandy soil enriched with compost. The ideal site is one where the
plants get full sun at the tops and are shaded at the soil level to keep the ground moist. Plant 6-8"
deep and 6" apart (except for L. Candidum, see culture below) in clumps of 3 or more bulbs. In the spring,
fertilize the bulbs monthly until the plants finish blooming. After flowering, remove only the blooms, NOT the
stems or leaves. Allow the foliage to die back naturally. The stalk can be cut back carefully when the foliage
has died back completely. Hardy in Zones 3-8.
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Lycoris
Plant in an open, sunny, well-drained area. Space 8" apart and 4 to 6" deep. Water frequently during
the growth cycle, however, let the bulb dry out during its dormancy in the summer. Do not disturb the bulbs
after planting and mulch lightly over the winter. Hardy in Zones 7-10.
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Paradise Garden Bulbs
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