Just a reminder to be kinds to our bulbs.....

Was reading my state extension newsletter tonight and thought this was a good reminder for us bulb gardeners....

"The best time to apply fertilizer to spring-flowering bulbs is when foliage emerges in the spring not at flowering.
Traditionally, gardeners have applied fertilizer during bloom or a bit after, but because the roots of these bulbs start to die at flowering, fertilizer applied at bloom is wasted. Roots are active when the foliage first pokes through the ground. Nutrients applied then produce flowers the following year. If bulbs have been fertilized in the past, there is often plenty of phosphorus and potassium in the soil. It is best to use a soil test to be certain. If the soil needs phosphorus and potassium, use a complete fertilizer (such as 10-10-10, 9-9-6, etc.) at the rate of 2.5 lbs. per 100 square feet. This would equal 1 rounded teaspoon per square foot. If phosphorus and potassium are not needed, blood meal makes an excellent fertilizer. It should be applied at the rate of 2 lbs. per 100 square feet or 1 teaspoon per square foot. Turf fertilizers such as a 27-3-3 or 30-3-3 can be used, but the rate should be cut by a third. Remember to leave the foliage until it dies naturally. The energy in the foliage is transferred to the bulb as the foliage dies and will help bloom next year."

(credited to K-State Research & Extension website)

Hmmm. Good point! I put down a layer of well-rotted compost last fall on all my flower beds, so I think mine are pretty well off this year...

Terry, how you manage to keep up with it all is amazing to me AND be so PRESENT here on DG. I'm ashamed to say that I still have some cleanup of overwintered debris in my beds. And some pruning that I'm about a week late on.

sodium phosphate is great for your bulbs. i put some into each hole when i'm planting bulbs. you don't have to worry about it scorching your bulbs like regular bulb food either. it is also getting the phosphate it needs to produce healthy roots, for a good start to there little lives. :-)