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Bulbs, Separation and Preparation

By Jos Van Hage

This is not normally the time of year we think of spring flowering bulbs such as tulips and daffodils and yet this is the time of year when they are dug up and separated. 

If you have had spring flowering bulbs planted in the same space for the past 3-4 years, you should have noticed that the flowers this past spring were becoming smaller because of lack of space. 

This is because a bulb will continue to grow in size each year until it reaches its maximum size and after that, it will form bulblets that form off the main bulb. 

I have also said the bigger the bulb the bigger the flower because the flower is actually inside the bulb. A bulb is a remarkable thing as it has everything it needs to grow inside of it. Think of it is an underground storehouse with the energy and flower inside it waiting until spring to release itself. 

So when the bulb does not have enough room the storehouse becomes smaller and hence the smaller flower. 

Dig bulbs out in early August after they have died back naturally and they are dormant. Dig them out carefully so as not to damage them with a fork or spade and then gently shake them, removing most of the soil surrounding the bulb. Let the bulb air dry for a few days and then separate the bulblets from the main bulb. 

If the bulblet has a basal plate (bottom end of bulb where the roots grow,) the bulb can be saved to replant. Bulblets that do not have a basal plate should be discarded as well as any bulb that is damaged or diseased as these will only rot in the ground once they are replanted. 

Sprinkle the remaining bulbs with ‘Bulb Dust’ a fungicide/insecticide to eliminate any future problems and then store them in a cool dry place out of the sun for 4-5 weeks.

 In September the bulbs can be replanted again in the garden the same way, you would normally plant bulbs. As for the bulblets, they too can be replanted; however, they will only produce foliage not a flower for the next couple of years until they have reached a larger size. 

What some people like to do is plant them somewhere else in the yard where they will not be the focus of attention such as the back of a flowerbed or the edge of a vegetable garden out of the way. After a couple of years when they are starting to bloom they can then be dug up using the above method and replanted in a focal part of the yard. 

If you have never planted bulbs and would like to do so or if you want to add to your spring flowering bulb collection, the fall bulbs will be in the garden center by the beginning of September. The selection includes many varieties of tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, fritillaries, muscari, alliums, scillia, snowdrops, and other miscellaneous. Spring flowering bulbs are a great way to add the first colours of spring to any landscape and they do not require a lot of work as they come yearly. 

-Jos 

Jos Van Hage owns three Art Knapp's Garden Centres in Prince George
-Hart Highway
-Highway 97 South at the old Cariboo Highway
-Highway 16 west

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