Articles
How can we plant more flower bulbs into the landscape?
Article number
1435_4
Pages
27 – 34
Language
English
Abstract
To increase use of flowerbulbs in any size landscape, easier planting methods would be beneficial.
In this presentation we will describe experiences with a relatively inexpensive and simple machine that mechanically plants bulbs underneath the rootzone of existing turfgrass, making possible the planting of tens of thousands of bulbs per hour with just two individuals.
Data on the earliest date to mow the grass without harming future flowering potential of the bulbs is presented.
In Ithaca NY, USDA winter hardiness zone 5b, delaying the first mowing until June 5-8 allowed adequate post-flowering photosynthesis to maintain bulb health.
Mowing (removing) bulb foliage before then resulted in varying degrees of future flowering potential.
On a smaller scale, one way to ease the physical labor of bulb planting would be to define the minimum depth of hole.
Our research suggests tulips (and likely many other spring flowering bulbs) perform very well when planted more shallowly than usually recommended, for example, excellent return tulip flowering over 3+ years was obtained with shallow (2.5-7.5 cm deep holes) with bulbs covered by 10 cm wood mulch.
This means many gardeners can plant tulips in holes less deep than typically recommended in gardening literature and commercial packages.
In this presentation we will describe experiences with a relatively inexpensive and simple machine that mechanically plants bulbs underneath the rootzone of existing turfgrass, making possible the planting of tens of thousands of bulbs per hour with just two individuals.
Data on the earliest date to mow the grass without harming future flowering potential of the bulbs is presented.
In Ithaca NY, USDA winter hardiness zone 5b, delaying the first mowing until June 5-8 allowed adequate post-flowering photosynthesis to maintain bulb health.
Mowing (removing) bulb foliage before then resulted in varying degrees of future flowering potential.
On a smaller scale, one way to ease the physical labor of bulb planting would be to define the minimum depth of hole.
Our research suggests tulips (and likely many other spring flowering bulbs) perform very well when planted more shallowly than usually recommended, for example, excellent return tulip flowering over 3+ years was obtained with shallow (2.5-7.5 cm deep holes) with bulbs covered by 10 cm wood mulch.
This means many gardeners can plant tulips in holes less deep than typically recommended in gardening literature and commercial packages.
Authors
W.B. Miller
Keywords
gardens, grounds management, urban areas, ornamental bulbs
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