Blooms from Bulbs
It may seem early to begin planning next year’s spring and summer colour, but it is essential to get bulbs planted this month (with the exception of Tulips which should be planted in November).
The history of bulbs can almost be traced back to the beginning of man, when they would most certainly have been used as food. We know that the ancient Egyptians grew onions and that potatoes (technically tubers) have been cultivated in South America for thousands of years. I wonder what these early people would think to the use of our ornamental onions, such as Allium ‘Pinball Wizard’, grown for their show stopping flowers!
Most of the usual subjects including Allium bulbs can be planted right now, and range in price from the very cheap tiny bulbs of Allium sphaerocephalon, to the more rare and expensive giant heads of Allium schubertii. Most kinds of Alliums enjoy a position in full sun, but if you have a very dry and shaded border such as that under a large tree, then try Allium ursinum, more commonly known as wild garlic.
Its beautiful lush, low growing
green foliage makes a great foil for a woodland setting, as well as producing a mass of white globular flowers borne on short stems.
When buying and planting bulbs, • 14 try and
follow these general rules: • Wear gloves when handling, as some are toxic and can cause skin irritations
Try and buy them loose so you can feel To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com • •
• •
them. Give each a gentle squeeze and check they are firm. Reject any which are not, or appear to have shrivelled, and those showing any sign of mould (normally grey/blue in colour).
Reject any showing excess signs of growth, with either long or pale stems. Bulbs should not be showing any sign of growth, but a short tip is ok
Damaged or split bulbs should not be selected
Plant using a bulb planter, allowing a hole twice the diameter of the bulb and about 3 times the depth, but I would advise to research it as each variety is different.
•
Place a little bone meal in the hole for good root development
Bulbs can also be grown from seed. They take a good few years to flower, around five in my experience, but it’s very satisfying when they finally do and you can even have a go at cross pollinating to make your own varieties.
Other favourites of mine are: •
Tulip ‘Prinses Irene’ an exquisite orange and purple flower
Narcissus ‘Thalia’ a white and scented daffodil
• Galtonia, an imposing 60cm tall with grass like foliage and a 90cm high flower spike in white
•
Chionodoxa, with around 10 blue blooms per stalk, this is a small but cheery bulb
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