Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 2/23/2004

Question
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Followup To
Question -
(I don't think that the current tips article about bulbs sprouting early, including flowers, doesn't really address this.)

Early last fall I planted some small bulbs (crocus, grape muscari, etc.) and they sprouted green leaf foliage fairly soon. (Not sure which type one sprouted.  Long thin green leaves.)  No bulbs set flower, though.

I planted early because I had read that doing so gave the new bulbs more time to settle and root, thus produced better first year flowering the following spring.  The local nursery agreed, though warned me of some possible fungus problems if the fall is wet.  

In any event, I'm now left wondering whether I need to trim off the wilted (but still greenish) leaves now so the bulbs will regrow and flower OR to just keep the leaves in place and the bulbs will still flower?  Any advice?
Answer -
It is the muscari (grape hyacinths) which sprout foliage in fall after planting. it is correct that planting early (with moderation) will give better results, but be careful. Bulbs should only be planted after the soil cools. Generally after first light night frost is recommended. Daffodils for example do better if planted a bit early, but tulips do better if planted later.

besides grape hyacinths (muscari), dutch iris (the bulbs, not the rhizomes) tend to set foliage in fall before winter.
You do not have to worry about any damage to the foliage. winter kill of foliage is very common. If you don't like the looks of it, you can trim it back (but do not cut off the green part). The bulbs don't mind, however, and will flower once the temperatures go up in late spring. Muscarii usually bloom together with the midsesaon tulips (darwins) which would be mid to late spring.

muscarii are very hardy and will withstand quite a bit of adverse situations. the reason they are usually rated for zone6 and above is the foliage issue which you mention. Don't worry about it. they will be just fine.

********** Follow-up question:
First, thanks so much for immediate reply.  I just want to make sure I'm clear about the foliage.  I think you're right that it's the muscari becuase I thought crocus bulbs often have a faint white strip on their leaves and I don't think these leaves do.  Strange, but I never noticed muscari did this in the fall!  I wonder if folks here just clip off the foliage?  So, what I'm still wondering, and you kinda already addressed, is the degree that I can cut back foliage if I preferred.  Are you saying saying NOT to remove any leaves that are still green, right?  Or can I clip it back a bit even if it's pretty much all still green, for a cleaner appearance... just don't clip it ALL off.  Thing is, the leaves are really quite long, droopy, and spread out.  I'd just like to tidy the area up a bit since it's near my front door, but only if that's OK.  

BTW, I live in Washington, DC.  That's zone 7-8?

Answer
The bulbs needs the foliage to absorb the sun's energy and convert oxygen, water, and fertilizer nutrients into carbohydrates (sucrose) which is then used for growth, flowering and bulb enlargement.

No, you can not cut the foliage off completely and expect the bulbs to return happily year after year. However, practically, the bulbs do not use the brown withered portion at the tips of the foliage and you can definately cut this off. You can even cut them back, say, 20-30% (e.g. similar to mowing a lawn) but for best results you should probably leave the majority of the length of the leaves.

Long drooping leavings which cascade over the border is a sign of good things to come. your best show is usually from muscarii which has established in late fall.

Don't be afraid to cut them back, if you want it to look tidy, but i would not go overboard. the plants need the foliage to conduct photosynthesis. While the bulb has enough charge for this year's bloom, you don't want to remove future year's potential.

Next fall, cover the emerging foliage with a layer of shredded oak leaves and rake them off in early spring after the hard frosts have passed. Also, avoid fertilizing the foliage in late fall/early winter.