Spring Planting Bulbs - Frequently Asked Questions

Spring planting bulbs are bulbs that should be planted in the spring and bloom in the summer. The number of spring bulbs is quite extensive, but the most popular varieties include gladiolus, begonias, dahlias, lilies, freesia, anemone, tigridia, acidanthera, montbretia, sparaxis, iris, brodea, liatris, and callas. These bulbs and tubers generally originated from the sub tropical regions of the world such as South Africa and South America. Therefore, they like warm temperatures and humid conditions and are usually not winter hardy.

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In general, look for firm and healthy bulbs. Bulbs that are mushy usually have not been kept in a cool dry place and will rot and therefore not flower. When buying tubers, look for tubers with 3 to 5 eyes and initial root formation.

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Spring planting, summer flowering bulbs and tubers can be planted in the spring when you are certain the ground will no longer freeze in your area.  This may be up until the end of May depending on your area.

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The rule of thumb is to plant the bulb or tuber about 5 inches deep. Exceptions include Dahlias and Begonias which should be planted just beneath the surface.

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For smaller varieties, 4 inches is a good interval, 5 inches apart for gladiolus and 10 inches for begonias.  Lilies should be about 12 inches apart and dahlias as much as 16 inches apart. For uninterrupted color, they can be planted even closer together.

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Once your bulbs have finished blooming, they can often be used again the following year. With the exception of lilies, the bulbs have to be taken out of the ground if it freezes in your area during the winter. If it does freeze in your area, let the leaves die down naturally, then dig up the bulbs and store in a cool dry place and replant the following spring.

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Please refer to our relevant links page. This page has a number of links to reputable bulb organizations as well as US universities with extensive agricultural programs. (Click here)

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Choosing plants:

Group your plants so that you have about 40% open water reflection. It is also important to chose the right waterplant based on the depth of your pond. If you tell your retailer the depth of your pond, they should be able to assist you in choosing the appropriate plant.

Pots and Containers:

Choose generously sized wide but shallow pots, 7 - 10 inches deep. This will not only anchor your plants securely in your pond but also allow them to multiply to form a significant mass of foliage with minimal maintenance. It is also much easier to fertilize plants in a roomy pot and you will actually use less fertilizer.

Fertilizer: Water lilies are heavy feeders and for best results need to be fertilized every 2-4 weeks. Several companies produce water lily fertilizer 'tabs' which are easily pushed into the soil in the pot. Be careful not to place them too close to the crown.

Soil Content:

Avoid using high peat vermiculite or perlite, instead use a heavy clay soil so that the soil does not float to the top when you place the container in the water.

For zone C and D plants top the pot with a coarse sand or pea gravel for additional weight. Be sure to keep pea gravel or sand away from the crown. In addition, before placing the container into your pond, water heavily and let the container sit in a pan of water so that the sand has a chance to be completely saturated. This will allow all the air to escape and lessen the chances for the plant and soil to float away from the container.

Special Instructions for Nymphaea plants:

Plant at a 45 degree angle with the growing point as close to the center as possible.

Planting Instructions:

Plant all water plants and water lilies as pictured below:



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