
The Netherlands is world famous for its beautiful flower fields and export of flower bulbs. Whether it’s colourful tulips, fragrant hyacinths or elegant daffodils, flower bulbs are an important export product and a feast for the eyes in the spring. But how can you plant these famous flower bulbs yourself to bring your garden or balcony to life? In this blog you can read more about the types of flower bulbs and the right way to plant them in your garden or in a pot.
What are flower bulbs?
Flower bulbs are underground plant parts in which the plant stores nutrients. They form a kind of storage place from which the flower can grow. Well-known flower bulbs are tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses and lilies. Each flower bulb is already a small package of life, which awakens in the right season and grows into a beautiful flower.
Types of flower bulbs
There are different types of flower bulbs, but they can be roughly divided into spring and summer bulbs.
- Spring bulbs: These are the most well-known flower bulbs in the Netherlands, such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths. You plant these bulbs in the autumn (September to November), so that they bloom in the spring.
- Summer bulbs: Summer bulbs, such as dahlias and lilies, are planted in the spring and they bloom in the summer. They bring a long period of colour to the garden.
When to plant flower bulbs?
The right planting season is crucial for flower bulbs.
- Spring bulbs: Plant them in the autumn, usually from September to November, before the frost starts. The bulbs need a cold period to be able to bloom well in the spring.
- Summer bulbs: You plant these in the spring, from April to the end of May. Summer bulbs like warmer temperatures and will bloom during the summer.
The best way to plant flower bulbs
1. Choose the right location
Flower bulbs like well-drained soil. Choose a spot where the soil does not remain too wet, because too much moisture can cause the bulbs to rot. In addition, most bulbs like a sunny spot, although there are also species, such as snowdrops, that do well in the shade.
2. Dig the right depth
A useful rule of thumb when planting flower bulbs is to plant them two to three times as deep as the height of the bulb. For tulips, for example, this means digging a hole of about 10 to 15 cm. Make sure that the point of the bulb points upwards.
3.Provide sufficient space
Do not plant flower bulbs too close together. Keep about 5 to 10 cm space between the bulbs, depending on the species. This gives the flowers the space to grow well and ensures that they can get enough nutrients from the soil.
4. Add nutrients
Although bulbs contain their own nutrients, it does not hurt to fertilize the soil lightly. A little organic fertilizer or compost in the planting hole can promote growth and ensure strong flowers.
5. Protect against frost and pests
Spring bulbs can generally withstand the cold, but in severe winters it can help to apply a layer of mulch to protect the bulbs. Summer bulbs, on the other hand, should usually only be planted when there is no longer any danger of frost.
6. Watering
Water the bulbs immediately after planting, especially when the soil is dry. Spring bulbs need moisture in the autumn to develop roots, but be careful not to leave the soil too wet. For summer bulbs, it is important to water them regularly during dry periods.
Care after flowering
Once you have planted flower bulbs and they flower, you naturally want them to come back just as beautifully the following year. You can do this by removing the wilted flowers after flowering. However, leave the foliage until it has completely yellowed, because the bulbs absorb energy via the leaves for the next flowering season. This is especially important for perennial bulbs such as daffodils.
Create a sea of flowers
Do you really want to create a spectacular sea of flowers? Then try playing with different types of bulbs and planting them in layers. This is also called the “lasagna method”. Here you plant different bulbs on top of each other in one planting hole, depending on their flowering period and height. So first you have the early crocuses, then the tulips and then late bloomers such as alliums or lilies.
Finally
Planting flower bulbs is an easy and fun way to brighten up your garden or balcony. With the right timing and care, you can enjoy a beautiful flowering garden, year after year. So put on those gardening gloves, choose your favorite flower bulbs and get ready for a colorful spring!
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