bulbs

In the next few days I'd like to plant loads of bulbs (in containers) to flower by the 2nd week in April. I realise I may have left it a bit late. Any suggestions? Many thanks.

 

Hi phoebe, as you, I never got round to putting my bulbs in last autumn. As soon as the ground thaws i will put them in.

They will probably be late of course but im sure they will flower.

I saw an experiment on a gardening programme a while back where they planted tulips in January and they flowered.:thmb:

 

Thanks takemore02withit - Do you remember when they flowered by??

 

Hi Phoebe
tulip varieties have 3 flowering times , early varieties flower in March. Mid spring varieties April-May , and late varieties May. If you purchase and plant the early varieties now they may flower by April ( the second week is being very specific ) , although I have never planted tulips so late.
If you have already bought your bulbs , the only thing I can suggest is plant your containers and place them in the sunniest most sheltered spot you have. make sure you follow the instructions on the bulb packets , giving the correct planting depth and also which way up the bulb goes. Tulips are one of my favourite plants, good luck with yours :thumb:

 

Late May I think, I suppose it depends on the weather.

The only trouble with them flowering later is the sun can be a bit to warm for them and they tend to be short lived.

Oh well a short show is better than no show at all.:wink:

 

Hi Pheobe. I don't know what part of the world you're in, which obviously affects things, but here I have an article here http://www.ehow.com/how_5050219_plant-tulip-bulbs-january.html
by Dena Kane, in which she stresses that tulip bulbs can be planted with success in January depending on wheher you live in "a hardiness zone where the earth is not frozen at that time."
She also points out that you can start the tulips in pots/containers, as suggested above, but that this can decrease the bloom next year.

 

Hmmm, do I get the feeling you are preparing for a specific event Pheobe, like a wedding or something?
If you just want to have the joy of growing bulbs, I would go for getting tulips in and enjoying them when they do appear...BUT if you are relying on a display of flowers for the second week in April....I don't think it's guaranteed!!

If so...Some nurseries sell preplanted bulbs, or you could buy some wallflowers and pansies.