Caring for autumn flower bulbs – tips for a magnificent sea of ​​flowers in spring

In order to be able to delight with colorful flowers in spring, many flower bulbs must be planted in late summer and autumn. The bulbs are hardy and can only develop magnificently if planted in good time. They are sometimes referred to as autumn flower bulbs and so the planting date is an integral part of the naming. With sufficient soil moisture, the bulbous plants form sufficient roots before winter and are not damaged at low temperatures. In autumn, mainly tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses, snowdrops, winter lice, imperial crowns, snow cups and grape hyacinths are planted. Flower bulbs are robust, perennial plants that, depending on the species, start flowering in February.

Worth knowing Location Planting time Flowering time Planting Watering Fertilizing In the bucket Varieties Pests & diseases FAQ

Interesting facts about autumn flower bulbs

Use: bedding plant, balcony plant, as ground cover, cemetery plant, for naturalizing Planting time: depending on the species from August to the beginning of December Flowering time: depending on the species from February to May Flower colors: white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, blue, two-tone Special features : Flower bulbs are easy-care plants with many uses. With the appropriate selection, other types of plants can bloom in the garden over many months. In addition to the lush, large-flowered types, there is a diverse range of bulbs that are suitable for naturalising.

In which location do flower bulbs feel most comfortable?

Flower bulbs are extremely easy to care for and hardy, but it is important to know where to plant the bulb. Because only in the right location do the plants develop their full splendor. Most onion bloomers prefer full sun. Some also feel comfortable in partial shade and delight with rich flowers. Examples of these are spring anemone, snowdrop, crocus, checkered flower, pushkinia and winterling.

For all flower bulbs, the soil must be loose and without standing water. If the water drainage is not guaranteed, rot can quickly occur. Too sandy soil gives the flower bulbs too little water and root formation is inhibited.

When is the right time to plant flower bulbs?

With all flower bulbs that are planted in autumn, it is important that the planting takes place in good time so that the bulbs can develop roots before winter. Planting between the end of August and September is ideal for winter aphids, snowdrops, autumn crocuses, ornamental onions and lilies. The remaining spring bloomers are planted from September to November.

When do flower bulbs planted in autumn bloom?

The flowering time of flower bulbs depends heavily on the species and variety and is also influenced by the weather.

What is the best way to plant flower bulbs in the garden in autumn?

Careful planting is important for lush flowers with flower bulbs:

  1. Loosen the soil well and remove all weeds.
  2. Dig a planting hole.
  3. Put good quality potting soil in the planting hole.
  4. With organic flower bulb power you can activate and support soil activity. Put this soil activator in the planting hole before planting or sprinkle it on the surface and work it in.
  5. Now the bulbs are planted in the planting hole with the tip upwards.
  6. Cover the bulbs loosely with the humus-rich garden soil.
  7. Watering after planting is only recommended for daffodils and checkerboard flowers. With the other types of onions it is beneficial, but not absolutely necessary.

The bulbs can also be planted in special plant baskets to protect them from being eaten by mice and voles. The basic rule for the planting depth is: two to three times the tuber height. Note that tubers planted too deep will sprout poorly.

The basic rule for planting distances is:

Depending on the growth height and growth width, the planting distance varies within the different types of bulbs and tubers. On the packaging you will find guidelines for the optimal planting distances.

How do I water my flower bulbs correctly?

Flower bulbs are easy-care and robust plants, but waterlogging is not tolerated. Watering flower bulbs is therefore only necessary in completely dry locations. Onion flowers in the pot are also only poured carefully and protected from too much rain, especially in winter.

How do I fertilize my flower bulbs correctly?

Flower bulbs that are planted in autumn and will delight with colorful flowers in spring usually grow in the same spot for many years. Fertilization is necessary to ensure that the plants remain strong in growth and lush in flowering. Start fertilizing as soon as the leaves have grown about a hand’s breadth out of the ground. Heavy consumers such as daffodils, imperial crowns, tulips, lilies and hyacinths require a higher fertilizer content. Depending on the type of fertilizer, one or more fertilizer applications may be necessary. Only fertilize until the bulb flowers start to bloom, because after flowering the bulb matures for summer dormancy and the fertilizer is no longer absorbed. Bio Blumenzwiebelkraft is ideal for fertilizing flower bulbs.

What is the best way to plant my flower bulbs in a pot?

Depending on the growth height and growth width, the planting distance varies within the different types of bulbs and tubers. On the packaging you will find guidelines for the optimal planting distances. Even without a garden, you can plant flower bulbs and experience the fireworks of colors and shapes. Pots and tubs with bulb flowers give a glimpse of spring and beautify terraces, balconies and house entrances quickly and easily. However, the vessels must already be planted in autumn in order to be able to go into the winter sufficiently developed.

The bulbs are ideal for planting in a pot and enjoying on the balcony or terrace in spring. Low-growing species such as grape hyacinths, botanical tulips, crocuses, checkered flower or small daffodils are particularly suitable for boxes, bowls and pots.

9 tips for planting flower bulbs in containers:

    • Choose vessels with a water drain.
    • Provide a drainage layer at the bottom of the jar.
    • Fill the container with high-quality potting soil.
    • Plant the bulbs so close together that they are just touching each other.
    • Fill in the cavities with soil.
    • Water the soil and onions thoroughly.
    • Leave the pots outside because the cold is necessary for flowering.
    • Make sure that the bulbs do not have too much moisture in winter.

At low temperatures, protect the container with fleece or special winter protection material. Our recommendation: Plant different bulbs with different flowering dates in one bucket. This extends the flowering period and you can enjoy new flower arrangements over and over again for many weeks.

What types of flower bulbs are there?

More and more new types of flower bulbs are being created as a result of extensive breeding work. In addition to the classic individual varieties, there are collections. These include different types of bulbs on a color theme, types suitable for naturalising, or types that delight as a bee pasture or butterfly garden.

What pests and diseases can flower bulbs get?

With the right site conditions and optimal care, flower bulbs are floriferous plants. The following pests or diseases can still occur:

lily chicken

The beetles are 6 to 8 mm in size and have bright red wings and a black body. Both the larvae and the adults feed on the leaves of lilies and imperial crowns. To avoid greater damage, you should collect and dispose of eggs, larvae or beetles at the first infestation. Spraying with organic plant treatment strengthens the plant’s own immune system and thus prevents the spread of pests.

Fusarium Onion Rot:

Above all, crocus, hyacinth, daffodils and tulip bulbs do not sprout or only to a limited extent. The plants become ailing, the tips of the leaves turn yellow and the bulbs die. The cause is often a site that is too damp or too high a nitrogen content in the soil. Only preventive measures make sense here, combating it is not possible.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about autumn flower bulbs

Why do crocus, daffodil or tulip shoots get stuck and not grow?

Missing or sparse flowering can be the result of late planting. With bulbs that have been planted for some time, the bulb may not have matured enough due to a summer that was too wet or too dry. Furthermore, high nitrogen contents lead to the so-called “paper bloom”

Which plants are suitable for combining with flower bulbs?

Perennials that prefer a sunny location are ideal

The plants should have similar water requirements as flower bulbs

Why do flower bulb leaves turn yellow in early summer?

At the end of the growth phase, the onion plants withdraw the nutrients contained in the leaves. As a result, they turn yellow and wither. The onions store the reserves

How do I properly care for my flower bulbs after they have bloomed in summer?

Immediately after flowering, cut off the stems of the bulbous flowers. In this way, no unnecessary energy is wasted on seed formation. It is important that you protect the foliage and leave it on the bulbous plant until it has yellowed and dried up. This process is essential for the flower bulbs and influences the budding in the next spring. Gently loosen the soil around the bulbs and remove any weeds that may be present.

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