A Year Of Flower Bulbs

A year of flower bulbs. The word "bulbs" brings to mind the stately tulips and cheerful daffodils that grace spring gardens. But bulbs can provide color in the garden year-round.

Not only do various bulbs flower in the spring, summer, and autumn, but if you take advantage of indoor gardening, you can even enjoy flower bulbs such as hyacinth, amaryllis, and narcissus during winter.

Here's to create a year of flower bulbs around your home.

Flower Bulbs, Corms or Tubers?

When you think of "bulbs," images of elegant tulips and cheerful daffodils dancing in spring gardens likely come to mind. Yet, these remarkable plants offer a stunning array of colors and blooms that can enhance your garden all year long.

With a variety of bulbs flowering in spring, summer, and autumn, your garden can be a canvas of beauty throughout the seasons. Plus, by incorporating indoor gardening, you can elevate your living space with captivating flowers like hyacinths, amaryllis, and narcissus even in the depths of winter.

Let's clear up the confusion. Many of the plants we refer to as 'bulbs' are corms or tubers, which are similar in function and purpose. They store everything they need for plant growth inside.

You must plant them in the right season and give them some water. Tubers, such as dahlias and begonias, are essentially enlarged roots. All three usually go dormant after flowering.

Hardy bulbs bloom in the spring. They are cold-tolerant and can be left in the ground over winter. A little cold often jolts them into growth.

People in warm climates, such as Florida, must put their bulbs in the refrigerator for a month before planting for their botanical wake-up call. These bulbs are usually planted in the fall. Get more tips on fall gardening.

A Year of Flower Bulbs

Tender bulbs, corms, and tubers typically flower in the spring and summer and must be dug up and stored for winter.
However, you can leave them in the ground in very mild climates. Many bulbs, even the natural ones, will multiply underground on their own.

So plant a dozen daffodils this year, and you could enjoy two dozen next year. Here are some flower bulbs to consider for each season over the year.

Autumn Bulbs

In a mild climate, you can still plant fall-blooming bulbs. These should be planted in August or early September for autumn color.

These flowers typically grow to about 3 to 5 inches tall, so don't expect the drama of tulips or daffodils. However, they are delightful when sprinkled among your perennials. Options include colchicum, autumn crocus, and scilla.

Winter Bulbs

Red amaryllis.

In winter, you can force flower bulbs to bloom indoors. Popular bulbs include amaryllis, narcissus, and hyacinth.

Spring Bulbs

Evening primrose.

The possibilities are endless for spring bulbs, with favorites like tulips, fritillaria, muscari, crocus, and anemone. Numerous varieties are available to choose from.

Summer Bulbs

Summer bulbs range from the tuberous begonia (which blooms profusely in shady areas) to the tall and elegant cannas to the showy, colorful dahlias. Many summer bulbs produce lovely flowers that are perfect for cutting.

So get adventurous and try a year of flower bulbs. If you live in an apartment, grow them in pots. Bulbs offer numerous rewards for minimal effort.