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Index : Flowers - Perennials
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- 22. Fall is Great Time for Planting Bulbs - Top
- Some of the most interesting and beautiful of all flowering plants are the bulb and bulb-like plants. Here in Tucson we can grow a number of temperate, tropical and subtropical types. Most bloom in the spring and summer, but should be planted in the fall. Fall conditions are ideal for establishing bulbs.
Unfortunately, many of the common bulbs of northern states such as tulips, hyacinths, and some irises and lilies do not grow well in the Tucson area. Very often these bulbs flower poorly or not at all! Varieties best adapted for our climate include; amaryllis, narcissus, gladiolus, iris, freesia, buttercup (ranunculus), Lilium spp. (Easter, Formosan and regal lily), Hymenocallis spp. (spider lily), and Zephyranthes spp. (rain lilies). With proper care these bulbous plants will produce beautiful flowers year after year.
Bulbous plants are those which have thickened underground storage organs which enable them to survive unfavorable environmental conditions. Not all bulbous plants are true bulbs. Other specialized underground storage organs include corms, tubers, tuberous roots and rhizomes.
A true bulb is a compressed stem bearing a growing point or flower bud enclosed by thick, fleshy scales called bulb scales. True bulbs include amaryllis, narcissus, and lilies
A corm is a solid mass of underground stem tissue with a terminal bud or top. In addition to the terminal bud, axillary or lateral buds are produced at nodes on the corm. Both terminal and lateral buds can produce new shoots. Gladiolus is a typical cormous plant.
A tuberous root, such as ranunculus is a true root which lacks nodes and internodes. Buds are present only at the crown or stem end of the root. These differ from true tubers, which are underground roots with many buds over their surface.
Bulbous plants are great to use around the house, along walkways and patios. They can be planted among shrubs and ground covers or in flower beds for outdoor color. They can also be used in a cutting garden for making indoor arrangements.
In general most bulbous plants need full sun during the winter months. In the summer they will benefit from partial shade. Eastern exposures are ideal. The morning and mid-day sun provides plenty of light, but plants are shielded from the hot afternoon sun. Light shade can also be obtained by planting near palo verde, acacia, and other airy trees.
Bed preparation is important for the success of bulbous plants. Good drainage is a must! Areas kept too wet and poorly drained will cause bulbs to rot. Soil for a bulb bed should amended with lots of organic matter such as well composted manure, desert or garden compost, or peat moss. A four inch layer of organic matter should be spread over the planting bed and mixed into the top 12 inches of soil. At the same time mix in a 6-6-6 or similar analysis fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds for every 100 square feet of flower bed area.
Bulbs are now available at local garden centers and nurseries. Choose ones that are large and healthy. Avoid those that have blemished areas. Note the depth and spacing recommendations of bulbs, corms or tubers at the time of purchase. Follow these recommendations when planting.
After planting, firm the soil around the planting holes and water the planting bed thoroughly. Repeat waterings just enough to keep the soil moist around the bulbs, but not wet! Little water is used by the bulbs until leaves have pushed through the soil surface. A layer of mulch about two inches thick of peat or wood chips will help conserve moisture, moderate temperatures, and prevent weed growth.
When new growth pushes above ground, water frequency will need to be increased. But again, don't over water! Fertilize two or three times during the growing season to maintain good plant vigor. Use a fertilizer low in nitrogen, such as 5-10-10 or similar analysis. Too much nitrogen can promote excessive leafy growth that at the expense of flowering.
Many bulbous plants grow best if left in the ground year after year. Others may become crowded and, as a result, bloom poorly. For these, digging and replanting at the proper spacing usually encourages more uniform flowering and larger blooms.
Bulbous plants can add to the diversity and beauty of gardens here in the desert. Try planting some this Fall. You'll be pleasantly surprised when the color comes popping up next spring!
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Written by John Begeman, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the University of Arizona 626-5161. Material originally appeared in Arizona Daily Star gardening column, on September 20, 1998.
- Updated: February 22, 2001
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