The term bulb refers to an underground storage unit that contains a plant's flower and leaf buds. A true bulb, such as a tulip, grows roots from the base and leaves from the top. The flowerbuds are located inside the bulb in what is called the plate. Select healthy bulbs -- the biggest you can find -- with the paperlike covering intact and no evidence of bruising or fungus. The larger the bulb, the larger the flower. Don't buy bulbs that have already sprouted. Corms -- for example, gladiolas -- are different from true bulbs. The roots grow from the concave side of the corm (figure A), and the leaves grow out the top. Unlike true bulbs, corms shrivel when the plant is growing, then plump up again in late summer or fall and provide nourishment for the overwintering plant.
Cannas grow from rhizomes. One tip of the structure contains the foliage, and roots grow from the rest of the underground parts (figure B).
Tubers grow roots and foliage from all sides of the structure (figure C), but they have tops and bottoms and must be planted correctly.
A dahlia is an example of a plant that grows from a tuberous root, not a modified stem like a true tuber (figure D). It has a fleshy, rounded root, and foliage grows from the top and roots from the bottom. It's sometimes difficult to tell which way is up, so it's advisable to leave some of the old foliage on dahlias when you store the plants over winter.
Establishing the proper planting depth for bulbs can be a little tricky. The most important thing to remember is to plant bulbs right side up. On the bag containing your bulbs you should find a planting guide and information on the correct planting depth. If you're not sure, consult a good bulb book. Daffodils and lilies, for example, should be planted at a depth of about 8". If you'll be planting a lot of one type of bulb, make a mark on a ruler at the correct depth, and use it as a gauge (figure E). Or mark off the correct depth on your planting tool.
Hyacinth bulbs should be planted 6" deep; corms such as gladiolas 4" to 6" inches; dahlias about 5". Smaller bulbs such as liatris are planted close to the surface: 1" is usually sufficient. Rhizomes are planted right on the surface of the soil. Cover them with only a light layer of soil, making sure the foliage end is pointed up. A great technique for planting bulbs in a natural drift is to take a handful and scatter them over the planting area. Then simply plant them in the spots where they fell. Or dig a large hole, and plant several bulbs at a time. This will provide a block of color when the bulbs are in bloom.
RESOURCES :
Gardening tools
Gardening supplies
Bulbs (The Time-Life Encyclopedia of Gardening)
Model: 0805003525
Author: James Underwood Crockett
Time Life Books
Website: www.timelife.com
Burpee Basics: Bulbs
Model: 0028626370
Author: Douglas C. Green and George Ball, Jr.
1999
Hungry Minds, Inc.
Taylor's Guide to Bulbs
Model: 0395404495
Author: Norman Taylor
1986
Houghton Mifflin Co.
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-351-5000
Email: tradecustomerservice@hmco.com
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