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Flower Bulbs
Anyone that loves gardening is always striving for the best from what they plant. So too it is with
the flower bulbs we choose. There are many factors that will give us the results we are looking
for such as, timing, bulb size and the health of the bulb we are planting. To buy bulbs you have
to be informed on what to look for.
Keep in mind that when buying bulbs, true bulbs are rounded and self sufficient underground
power houses. A bulb is a womb for the flower bud found within it. The outside paperlike skin
of a bulb protects it from any damage and keeps it from drying out. The scale leaves that are
under the bulb hold all the nutrients the bulb needs to grow. The first parts to show above the
ground are the immature leaves. They are followed by the flower bud and stem and the root of
the bulb grows from the basal plate at the bottom of the bulb.
You will find that a healthy bulb is firm and well rounded and heavy for the size of it. If the bulb
feels soft in spots or mushy then don't buy it. That is the sign of disease or some other sort of
damage. If you are investing in crocus, it is best to plant them on an outside border of your
flower garden, but if you are planting giant tulips or daffodil bulbs, then they take a back row
seat. If not they will cover anything that is growing behind them.
When you're thinking of planting spring bulbs, the best time to do this is late summer or fall. It
has to be cool enough so the bulbs don't sprout until spring, but it has to be warm enough to
allow time for the roots to get established in the ground before winter sets in. For anyone that
doesn't live in places where winter is cold, you can give your bulbs an artificial winter by
placing them in your fridge for six to eight weeks before planting. Always read the instructions
on your package to be sure when the best time for planting is.
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