Most spring-flowering bulbs are practically mug proof as the leaves and flowers are already formed and in the bulb. How well you succeed with bulbs depends on your climate and the types of bulbs you select.
Daffodils – There are many colours, shapes and forms among the daffodils. Probably the best known variety is ‘King Alfred’ a large, golden, early flowering daffodil which is at its best in colder areas. A similar daffodil, which performs well in a warm climate is ‘Golden Lion’. Daffodils are fantastic value and almost unkillable.
Jonquils and narcissus – among the best bulbs for Australian conditions. Varieties include ‘Erlicheer’ (technically a type of daffodil), which is beautifully perfumed, double and a lovely creamy colour. As its name suggests it is early flowering. Also easy to grow are old-fashioned paper whites, which are single, white and perfumed, and the yellow flowered ‘Soleil d’Or’. Jonquils, like daffodils, are good value and the bulbs multiply readily in gardens.
Freesias – These bulbs have wonderfully perfumed flowers and are easy to grow. They also multiply readily, making them very good value. The best buy is the old-fashioned white or cream forms, which have the best fragrance. Many brightly coloured, large flowered forms are also available but these can be disappointing as they often flop over and may not be perfumed.
Tulips – These spectacular flowering bulbs are at their best in a cold climate (for example mountain districts or Tasmania). In warmer areas they’re less reliable but they are worth trying if you live in a cool micro-climate in a temperate area (Sydney to Perth and south). The key to success with tulips, particularly in warmer areas, is to buy them in late summer or autumn, put them in the crisper section of the fridge for six to eight weeks, and then plant them in very early May for flowers in spring. The best variety for warmer districts is the tall-stemmed ‘Monet’ series.
Hyacinths – These bulbs produce highly perfumed columns of flowers. They come in white, pink or blue and are easy to grow in pots but may be more temperamental grown in the garden. They are ideal for use indoors while in flower.
Bluebells – Bluebells are ideal for mass planting particularly under trees. They will take a little more shade than most commonly grown bulbs. Bluebells, despite the name, come in white and pink as well as blue.
Buying healthy bulbs
Good bulbs to buy are big, fat and very firm when you squeeze them. Some bulbs have a side bulb attached and these are a good buy as the smaller bulb will give you two bulbs for the price of one. Avoid bulbs that have been damaged (for example cut or sliced during harvest) or which show signs of fungal disease (for example are soft, brown or smelly).
Warning: Bulbs are usually dusted with a fungicide powder. Always wash your hands after handling bulbs.
Planting bulbs
Bulbs are simple to plant. Dig a hole which is approximately twice as deep as the width of the bulb and plant bulbs pointy side up (roots down). To make it easier if you have lots of bulbs to plant, invest in a bulb planting tool, which retails for around $22 and is available from nurseries and from Digger’s Seeds, ‘Heronswood’, 105 Latrobe Parade, Dromana, VIC, 3936. Phone: (03) 5987 1877.
Bulbs can also be planted in pots in ordinary potting mix in any sort of container, pot or trough. Fertilise once the bulbs have finished flowering.
Tip: As bulbs only look really good for three to six weeks while they are in flower, plant them in a container (such as a plain black pot) to put inside an attractive outer container. When the flowers have finished take this container out, put it out of the way to allow the foliage to die down, and replace it with a container of seasonal colour so you can have a year-round, beautiful display.
Availability
Spring flowering bulbs are available at most nurseries, chain-stores or supermarkets from late summer to autumn. Many nurseries also have bulk bulbs for sale. Our segment was filmed at Tim’s Garden Centre, Mount Annan Drive, Mount Annan, NSW, 2567. Phone: (02) 4647 3788. Bulbs are also available from mail-order bulb specialists most of whom advertise regularly in garden magazines such as ‘Your Garden’.
Some other specialists to contact for bulbs are: Blue Dandenongs Bulb Farm, PO Box 231, Monbulk, VIC, 3793. Phone: (03) 9756 6766.
Bulb Express, 4 Dyson Court, Breakwater, VIC, 3219. Freecall: 1800 677 437. Email: [email protected]
Hancocks Daffodils, Jacksons Hill Road, Menzies Creek, VIC, 3159. Phone: (03) 9754 3328. (Daffodil specialists).
Tesselaars Bulbs & Flowers, 357 Monbulk Road, Silvan, VIC, 3795. Phone: (03) 9737 9811.
Windyhill Flowers Pty Ltd, PO Box 189, Monbulk, VIC, 3793. Phone: (03) 9756 6669.
