Welcome to Your Complete Growing Resource
This page provides essential growing suggestions and links to detailed articles about the flowering bulbs offered by Bulbmeister. These are time-tested techniques developed through decades of nursery experience.
Whether you're new to flowering bulb gardening or looking to improve your success rate, these guidelines will help you achieve the best results with your flowering bulb investments.
Complete Bulb Culture Guide
Read Online
Access our comprehensive bulb culture guide directly in your browser with full navigation and search capabilities.
View Online GuideDownload PDF
Download our complete bulb culture guide as a PDF for offline reference, printing, or sharing with fellow gardeners.
Download PDF GuideFertilizer Basics
Most flowering bulbs prefer a low nitrogen, high phosphorous fertilizer, such as bone meal, at planting time. This promotes strong root development and better blooming.
Foliage Care
Never cut foliage down just because bloom is over! Let the foliage complete its seasonal cycle to allow the bulb to store energy for next year's growth.
Planting Depth
A good rule of thumb: plant fall flowering bulbs at a depth 3 times the bulb diameter. This provides proper insulation and stability.
Genus-Specific Growing Articles
For more detailed information about specific flowering bulb genera, explore our comprehensive articles covering origins, culture, and specialized growing techniques:
Habranthus & Zephyranthes
Learn about these charming rain lilies, their origins, and specialized growing requirements.
Read Full Article →Lycoris
Our specialty! Comprehensive guide to surprise lilies, including our unique "in the green" cultivation methods.
Read Full Article →General Planting Guidelines
Soil Preparation
Well-draining soil is crucial for flowering bulb success. Most bulbs prefer slightly alkaline to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). If your soil is heavy clay, consider raising the planting area or adding organic matter to improve drainage.
Timing
Plant spring-blooming bulbs in fall, summer-blooming bulbs in spring, and fall-blooming bulbs in late summer. Our Lycoris "in the green" bulbs should be planted immediately upon receipt for best results.
Spacing
Space bulbs according to their mature size. Small bulbs can be planted 2-3 inches apart, while larger bulbs like Lycoris should be spaced 6-8 inches apart to allow for natural division over time.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring Care
- Apply balanced fertilizer as new growth emerges
- Water during dry spells, especially for spring bloomers
- Allow foliage to die back naturally
- Plant summer-blooming bulbs
Summer Care
- Monitor for pests and diseases
- Water fall-emerging foliage (like Lycoris)
- Plant fall-blooming varieties in late summer
- Prepare areas for fall bulb planting
Fall Care
- Plant spring-blooming bulbs
- Enjoy fall bloomers like Lycoris
- Clean up spent foliage from summer bulbs
- Apply winter mulch in cold climates
Winter Care
- Protect bulbs with mulch in harsh climates
- Plan next year's garden additions
- Order bulbs for spring planting
- Study and prepare for spring activities
Special Focus: Lycoris Care
As specialists in Lycoris bulbs, we want to share specific care tips for these exceptional plants:
The "In the Green" Advantage
Our Lycoris bulbs are sold "in the green" - freshly dug with foliage attached. This gives you several advantages:
- Bulbs retain their roots and are less stressed
- You can see the health and vigor of the plant
- Faster establishment in your garden
- Better first-year blooming potential
Lycoris Lifecycle Understanding
Lycoris have a unique growth pattern that confuses many gardeners. Understanding this cycle is key to success:
- Fall: Flowers appear on bare stems (hence "surprise lily")
- Late Fall/Winter: Foliage emerges and grows through winter
- Spring: Foliage continues growing, storing energy
- Summer: Foliage dies back, bulb goes dormant
Critical Care Points
Never mow or cut the foliage early! This is the most common mistake. The foliage must be allowed to die back naturally in late spring/early summer to ensure blooming.
Want More Detailed Information?
Visit our blog for in-depth articles about specific flower bulb genera, seasonal care tips, and real-world growing experiences from our nursery.
Explore Our Growing Blog →