In the spring, gardeners are more than ready for a big show, and the spring-flowering bulbs are an important part of that show. But bulbs are busy year round and have a special need during each season of the year.
The fall is the proper time to plant your bulbs to get them off to the right start. During the winter, bulbs are developing a good root system and chilling in preparation for the spring bloom.
After spring bloom, you need to pinch the heads off faded flowers before they set seed. This process is called deadheading. Flowers that have set seed are sending a message that causes the bulb to focus its energy on seed production rather than flower production. Let the leaves die naturally. Leaving them in the ground allows them to naturalize so they will come back on their own. Many types will, however, need to be divided every two to three years to prevent overcrowding.
Daffodils will naturalize in our environment better than tulips, which will probably need to be replaced annually. Planting spring-flowering bulbs in groups or creating the natural look by scattering them in large areas will present a better show than will isolated specimens.
Susan Carlile, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
Annual and Perennial Flowers Index
Gardening Tips For NorthEast Texas Index
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