Planting
Gardening Guides » Garden Bulbs » Planting
Mix compost with your soil to improve drainage and to keep bulbs from rotting. Lily and Anemone bulbs may be planted in the early spring, however the remaining bulbs should be planted only after the soil has warmed and the danger of frost has passed. Add bone meal at planting time to boost root development. Depths given in this section measure from the soil surface to the top of the bulb. If soil is sandy, plant one inch deeper. If your soil is clay, plant one inch shallower. Bulbs contain ample nutrients for the first year's flowers but must replenish them in order to bloom again the next year. Fertilize down either side of the row with a balanced fertilizer at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet. Feed once a month from planting until the foliage yellows. Except for lilies, spring bulbs are tender and must be dug in the fall in cold climates. Store them for the winter at 50 degrees in vermiculite or dry peat moss.
| Variety |
Planting Depth |
Planting Distance |
Approx. Height |
Sun or Shade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anemone | 4 In. | 2 In. | 6 In. | Sun/Partial Shade |
| Begonia | ½ In. | 1 Ft. | 1 Ft. | Partial Shade/Shade |
| Caladium | 3-4 In. | 1 Ft. | 3-4 Ft. | Partial Shade/Shade |
| Calla Lily | 3 In. | 1-1½ Ft. | 1½-2 Ft. | Partial Shade |
| Canna | 2 In. | 15 In. | 2½-8 Ft. | Sun |
| Dahlia | 4 In. | 15-30 In. | 3-4 Ft. | Sun |
| Fressia | 2 In. | 4-6 In. | 12-14 In. | Sun |
| Gladiolus | 4 In. | 4-6 In. | 1½-2 Ft. | Sun |
| Lily | 4 In. | 3-4 In. | 2-3 Ft. | Sun/Partial Shade |
| Oxalis | 1-2 In. | 3-4 In. | 6-8 In. | Sun/Partial Shade |
| Patchwork Petunia | 1-2 In. | 3-4 In. | 8-10 In. | Sun |
| Queen Fabiola | 4-6 In. | 6-8 In. | 1-2 Ft. | Sun/Partial Shade |
| Ranunculus | 1½ In. | 6-8 In. | 1-1½ Ft. | Sun |
| Tuberose | 2-3 In. | 6-8 In. | 3 Ft. | Sun/Partial Shade |
