Flower bulb dilemma......

Junkman · Jan 8, 2004

I was walking through the outdoor department in Walmart this evening and noticed a large selection of bulbs that were meant to be planted in the fall for spring blooming, such as daffodil, tulip, hyacinth, etc. I commented to the store manager who was walking by, that it is a shame that they didn't sell them sooner, because the ground is now frozen solid. He suggested that I could buy them all for 5 cents a package. Couldn't pass up a deal like that, so now I have the dilemma to figure out how to keep them for the balance of the winter so I can get them into the ground in the spring when it finally thaws. Any suggestions???? I have about 700 packages ranging any where from 6 to 24 bulbs each. How low of a temperature can they take if they are not planted? I have them in the back of my wagon for now, but not sure where to put them for the balance of the winter.
He offered me a load of iris bulbs also, but they appear to be dead since the leaves are brown and brittle. Will they come back if they aren't planted until the spring?
thanks Junkman
PS... my wife thinks I am crazy and wants to see me planting all these..... I am sure that some of you will probably agree.... My bargain might turn into a planting nightmare /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

PhilNH5 · Jan 8, 2004

Junkman,
They will be fine. Keep them in a cool place like the basement or a garage and they will hold over just fine.

For planting I would recommend a step on planter like the one in the attachment. You make the hole and drop in the bulb all while standing up. Saves wear on your back.

Good luck.

Phil

GaryM · Jan 8, 2004

I seem to remember folks storing the bulbs in sand. But of course I might be remembering something else?

I think the Iris would be OK.

gsganzer · Jan 8, 2004

I'd love to see photo's of you using a jackhammer to plant bulbs. Wouldn't that site get the neighbors talking!! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Chuck52 · Jan 8, 2004

For planting that many, I'd look into one of the drill attachment planters. I've seen one that you can use with a good cordless drill that cuts a nice plug. You pop the bulb in the hole and then eject the plug to cover.

Chuck

Hoosier_Daddy · Jan 8, 2004

Junkman,

You are too funny. Do the math. 700 packages x 6 or 24 = Holly Corm !!!!!!!

Going to take a lot of beverages to plant these.

But, here are a few suggestions.

1. Make more flower beds. Actually the daffy dills and tulips can be planted in groups together. Unless you like digging I suggest raised flower beds. Plant whole groups. Like a bunch of reds together and a bunch of yellows together.

Plant them on a hill. They even look good in tall grass. They will die off before you need to mow the pasture and people will marvel for years at the unique display. Plant in the edge of a woods. They need sun but will be gone before the tree leaves come out.

Got a path? Cut a narrow trench along the path and just keep planting.

People usually plant bulbs in the fall and if you plant a group every few weeks apart that is the way they come up.

Also, this time of year is a good time to refrigerate a pack of bulbs for about 4 weeks and then plant indoors in a south window. They need some cold to get them through their cycle before planting unless you want to put the whole pot into the fridge.

On the Iris's, These are Corms. Plant them on top of the ground horizontal and leave half of the Corm exposed. That's how the stupid things grow. You put them under ground and you will not get any flower. Just green leaves.

Every 3 years the tulips will naturalize. They reproduce themselves and if not dug up they usually just kind of fade away.

Have fun drinking your favorite beverages.

Actually, you will love the sight of spring coming to life with your tulips in the spring. It just won't happen until the Spring of 2005.

Tom