Flower Bulbs

Technically speaking, many popular flower bulbs aren’t true bulbs. For example, dahlias are not bulbs, but tubers. The key difference lies in how food is stored. In a tuber, the stored nutrients are kept in the fleshy root or stem.

Flower bulb types

A flower bulb is actually quite special. Everything needed for the plant to emerge at the right time is already present inside the bulb. In short, there are 2 types of flower bulbs: spring-flowering bulbs and summer-flowering bulbs. Spring bulbs are planted in autumn, and summer bulbs are planted in spring. By combining different types of bulbs and tubers, you can enjoy beautiful flowers in your garden all year round.

Flower bulbs

Technically speaking, many popular flower bulbs aren’t true bulbs. For example, dahlias are not bulbs, but tubers. The key difference lies in how food is stored. In a tuber, the stored nutrients are kept in the fleshy root or stem.

Spring-flowering bulbs

The most well-known and popular spring bloomers are tulip bulbs, daffodils, and muscari. These bulbs can be planted in autumn, from October to mid-December. What makes these bulbs unique is that they need a cold period to grow. The bulbs will bloom between February and May. Good to know: the exact blooming time depends on the spring temperatures.

Planting flower bulbs

In general, flower bulbs should be planted at a depth that is about 3 times their height. Since our bulbs are quite large, this is usually 6 inches. A bulb that is 0.8 inches tall should be planted about 2.4 inches deep. The pointy end of the bulb should face upward and the rounded end, where the roots grow, downward. Plant the bulbs about 6 inches apart. Don’t forget to water them if the soil is very dry, this helps them root quickly and protects them better against the elements.

Caring for flower bulbs

You don’t need to water flower bulbs every day. They only need water if the soil is dry. When tulips are blooming, water regularly if there is no rain—especially tulips with large flowers, as they may dry out and not bloom fully without enough moisture.

Overwintering flower bulbs

When tulip bulbs have finished blooming, it’s best to dig up and discard the spring bulbs. In their second year, they won’t bloom nearly as abundantly. Still want to try reblooming them? You can read how in our blog about spent tulips. Daffodils, on the other hand, can naturalize in the garden. Just let them bloom fully, and the flowers will dry out on their own. Leave the plant in place, and when it has completely died back in July, you can cut or hoe down the foliage. All the plant’s energy will have been stored in the bulb for the next season. Next year, you’ll enjoy even more flowers.

Do you have muscari in your garden? You can leave them in the ground. These bulbs are very frost-resistant. To be safe, you can cover them with a layer of mulch (leaves) so they’ll survive even a harsh winter.

Our favorite flower bulbs

At FAM Flower Farm you can buy a variety of bulbs, including tulip bulbs, daffodil bulbs, and muscari bulbs. Can’t choose from all the beauty? Here are our favorite flower bulbs.

Tulips

We love pink, so it won’t surprise you that the pink tulip Milkshake is one of our favorites. Not a fan of pink? Then the classic double tulip Double Twist might be just right for you. Tulips come in many different colors and shapes. For example, consider fringed tulips. The white tulip Noordeinde is one of the most popular.

Daffodils

Did you know that daffodils come in various flower shapes too? The stunning daffodil Rip van Winkle, with its quirky tuft, is almost unrecognizable as a daffodil. The popular Tête á Tête daffodil thrives with minimal care and is a typical yellow daffodil that naturalizes quickly. But white daffodils are becoming more and more popular too—just think of the beautiful Mount Hood. Since these flowers come in white, yellow, orange, and cream, it’s fun to mix them together.

Buying flower bulbs?

Want to buy flower bulbs? You can order flower bulbs from FAM Flower Farm from July 1 to early December. You’ll also find flower seeds, dahlias, and handy accessories in our range. Combine different flowers for a beautiful flower garden.