Spring Bulbs:
Summer blooming bulbs are not usually as winter hardy as spring blooming varieties.These cannot survive the winter outdoors on the Prairies. This group includes Dahlias, Gladioli, Begonias, some Lilies and numerous small bulbs. Those that are winter hardy still do better when planted in the spring. Start them indoors in pots in March or April. Make sure to plant outdoors only after the last frost. In the fall, dig them up, clean and allow to dry. Dust with Bulb Dust and store in a cardboard box or paper bag (not plastic) containing vermiculite, sawdust, peat moss etc. in a cold but frost-free place until the next spring. Treat the inexpensive smaller bulbs the same way. Their size usually makes them difficult to find and dig up, so it's easier to replace each year since the cost is minimal.
Tiger Lily:
Bulbs like Lilies can be planted as soon as the ground has thawed enough to dig them in.Rule of thumb is to plant them twice as deep as the height of the bulb. Give them plenty of room and add porous materials like zeolite or perlite for drainage.
Most Lily varieties thrive with their bulbs in some shade and tops emerging into full sun. Keep an eye out for Lily Beetle. They are bright red and can't be missed once identified. Look under the leaves. Destroy them when you see them as they have no natural predator here in Alberta.
Tip: Any indoor forced bulbs that you have brought along in earlier this spring can be planted into the garden when they've finished flowering.
Planting Bulbs:
The longer you wait before planting in the spring, the later into the summer they will bloom.
Bulbs produce prolific and wonderful flowers that bloom in summer that you don't see everyday. If you are looking for something different showy and grand, flowers that people will ask about and colors that will blow your mind, then you need to explore the wonderful world of spring bulbs.
Bulbs like Lilies can be planted as soon as the ground has thawed enough to dig them in. Rule of thumb is to plant them twice as deep as the height of the bulb. Give them plenty of room and add porous materials like zeolite or perlite for drainage.
Fast tip 1
When planting spring bulbs indoors use a deeper pot for Dahlias as they tend to root deeply.
Conversely a shallow pot is better for begonias. Watch the watering especially when in doors. Wet bulbs will have tendency to rot.
Fast tip 2
Summer flowering bulbs are becoming less common in gardens here in Calgary.
This may be due to the extra work, however when you summer flowering bulbs come to fruition you'll notice! Enjoy them. Take lots of pictures when your summer bulbs bloom, enjoy the pollinators they attract, cut them and bring indoors for the table. They will fill a room with joy.
Fast tip 3
Planting spring bulbs is the perfect opportunity to use Myke flower.
Myke is a beneficial fungus that attaches to the root bulbs and will attach itself to any mycorrhizae in the soil outside, thus extending the root system exponentially. You can also use it on bulbs planted directly outside like, lilies.