Resist pulling foliage from spent bulbs

This has been the year to really enjoy spring bulbs. The cool weather has allowed them to emerge slowly and then grace our gardens with their color for weeks. When they finally begin fading, they will start storing reserves for next year’s show. Here’s how to help them out.

As the bulbs finish blooming, prune off the dead flower stalks. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and allows the energy to go to the bulb. Leave all the foliage on the plants to build reserves in the bulb until it dies down about the end of June. The bulbs will now be dormant for the year.

Don’t like the mess of dying bulb leaves? Resist pulling all the foliage early or bundling it together in a clump. Instead plant the bulbs among other plants or plant things that grow up around and in front of the bulbs. This essentially hides the dying leaves. There is still time while you can see the bulbs to slip some plants in to hide the foliage.

Don’t try to dig or move bulbs now. Digging them now interrupts the food storage process and usually results in weakening the plants to the point they won’t reappear next spring. The best approach is to mark where the bulbs are while you can see them and plan on digging them in late August and move them where you want them. Be careful when digging so you don’t cut up the bulbs. Damaged bulbs won’t survive.

Feed all your bulbs now with a top dressing of low nitrogen bulb food or balanced fertilizer like a 5-10-10 and gently work it into the surface of the soil. Keep the bed watered until the bulbs die down. The fertilizer will work its way down to the roots where the roots can take advantage of it. Once the foliage has dried, the bulbs will only need a good soaking every couple of weeks during the hot, dry spells.

If you are going to move bulbs later in the year, begin preparing the places now as you are doing spring chores. Dig the area and add some compost, bone meal and a low nitrogen fertilizer. Mark the area so you can find it later.

When it comes time to dig, gently get a shovel into the ground to find the bulbs and then dig them by hand to reduce damage caused by sharp tools. Don’t knock the excess dirt or papery skins off and plant immediately in the new space at the correct depth. If you have to store them, don’t clean them, then store them in a mesh bag (onion bags are good) in a shaded, cool, dry place. The coating of dirt and the papery skins help the bulbs retain moisture. Ideally, they should be planted within two to three weeks if possible.