Spring Bulbs

[jo9919]

I have Narsissus, Tulips, Crocus, Snowdrops and Iris all in containers.

After they have finished I want to use the containers for summer bedding. What do I do with my spring bulbs?

Can I leave them in the containers and plant summer bedding over them, although the bulbs aren't that deep, or do I take them out of the containers?

If so, what do I do with them, i.e. when do I lift them and where do I keep them until I plant them again (taking it that I CAN plant them next year?)

Jo.

[jo9919]

[Georgie]

Hi Jo.  I would advise you to lift and store the bulbs in compost in a cool, dark, dry place.  I have done this successfully with Narcissus, Tulips, Iris and Snowdrops for a number of years although others will no doubt tell you that Snowdrops do not like this treatment.  You must wait until the foliage has died down though, to allow the bulbs to store food for next year.  This normally takes about 6 weeks after flowering.

G x

[Robert_Brenchley]

If you want to lift snowdrops to store, then keep them in damp peat; drying out doesn't suit them at all. You could actually leave them in the containers; they'll just sit there inert till the autumn anyway.

[jo9919]

Thanks for your replies.

If I leave the Snowdrops in situ will it be ok to plant bedding plants over them?

As for the other bulbs, what should I store them in? Can I just put some compost in an empty compost bag and put them in there? Also, should I water them until ready to repot?

Jo.

[Robert_Brenchley]

They'll be perfectly OK, and so will the others if you decide to leave them. You just need to be careful not to split any with a trowel.

[Georgie]

Well, the bulbs would be fine but I doubt the summer bedding would thrive in compost which has already had most its nutrients taken out by the spring bulbs.  I still stay store them.  Use spent dry compost in any handy container.  Old compost bags will do Jo, providing the bulbs don't get damp. I'd leave the bags open. 

G x

[jo9919]

So I can empty the pots that they're in at the moment, but still leave the bulbs in the compost that they're in at the moment. Empty the lot into an old compost bag, but don't water at all, and then repot in new compost in Autumn?

Jo.

[Georgie]

Yes.  But they only need to be covered all round in compost a couple of inches deep and certainly do not water.  Replant in fresh compost in Autumn.

G x

[jo9919]

Thanks for all your help.

Jo.

[Robert_Brenchley]

If you're using big containers, you can replace the top couple of inches of compost. If it's peat compost, there's nothing there but artificial fertiliser anyway, so use some. If it's JI, that should be OK for the season with a bit of topping up with fertiliser. Don't let the snowdrops dry out.

[jo9919]

Thanks Robert  ;D

Jo.