Bulbs/planting time for bulbs
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Question
hello there, i live in andalucia southern spain, i recently was bought some spring bulbs as a present. i wish to know when is the correct time to plant here in spain? thanking you in anticipation of a swift reply.
The trick to timing Bulb plantings is to NOT put them in the ground too early, nor too late.
Too early, and they tend to grow at the first breath of warm weather -- usually some time in November, or December. Too late, and the ground gives them no chance to grow roots, shortening their life expectancy to practically nothing.
Spring Bulbs are usually perennial if you grow them well. But Tulips are notoriously un-perennial, with some exceptions. Depending on your squirrel population, sometimes getting just a single season out of them is a surprise.
For you, figure it this way. Wait until NIGHT TEMPS are dipping to 45 degrees Fahrenheit area. In Centigrade, that would be 5 to 7 degrees Celsius.
Also, be very careful about drainage. Bulbs are highly susceptible to root and bulb rot. Bad drainage makes that happen. Take steps to avoid it.
Finally, when they do bloom, remove the spent flowers as they end their blooming flush. And let the leaves die back naturally, around here takes it takes until early July for that to happen. You help subsequent flowers to form when you wait to remove foliage. Sure, it's ugly, but that is the price we pay, si?
Thanks for writing.
THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER
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| Comment | thank you very much, i will follow your suggestions and wait for the night temps to drop. You never know you might just get a foto sent to you of them when blooming in the spring!again, thanks, y adios | ||
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Long Island Gardener
Expertise
Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.
Experience
Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.
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