Planting Bulbs in WA

Name: Baileys Fertilisers
Address: Perth, Western Australia
Telephone: (08) 9439 1688

Author

Baileys Fertiliser

Published

19 March 2021

Flowers & Ornamentals

Spring flowering bulbs make an impressive display in any garden and the ideal time to plant in Perth is from late March to early May when the weather and soil has started to cool.

When buying bulbs make sure they are healthy, firm and plump, don't buy anything that is soft or mouldy. Tulips, daffodils and hyacinth bulbs will need to be put in a brown paper bag and in the fridge for up to 6 weeks. This mimic's the cooler temperatures from where they originate and will give them a strong flowering root.

Planting & Feeding

Most bulbs grow best in full sun to light shade. Prepare the garden bed by removing any roots or stones, the soil must be free-draining for best results.

Enrich the soil with Baileys Soil Improver or if you have very sandy soils, use Baileys Clay & Compost. Bulbs also do very well in pots or planters, use a top-quality potting mix such as Baileys Premium Potting Mix.

Plant bulbs twice as deep as they are tall and the same distance apart. The pointed tip of the bulb should be upwards, the exceptions to this are anemones and ranunculus which should be planted point down.

You can help the bulbs along now by giving them their first feed. Apply a complete, organic-based fertiliser such as Baileys Soil Matters Garden. You can feed again once the bulb flowers.

Apply a thin layer of Baileys Moisture Mulch to help keep the bulb cool and water in well. Keep the soil moist, not wet.

Maintenance

Once your bulb has finished flowering continue to feed and water, this helps the bulb produce the energy required for next year's flower show.

After the foliage has died down you can carefully dig up your bulb, remove excess dirt and allow to dry, these can then be popped into storage ready for next Autumn. Store in a cool, dark, and dry location, only refrigerate tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.

Varieties

The most well-known - Tulips, Daffodils, Dutch Crocus, Bluebells & Hyacinths prefer a shady spot under the trees.

Anemones, Freesias, Alliums, Lachenalias, Spring Star Flowers, Ixias and Grape Hyacinths thrive in the cooler sun of Autumn.