Flowering bulbs are a fantastic asset to any garden. You can plant them in the fall and then, in the spring, they come up on their own and bring bright spring color without any extra effort on your part. A lot of hardy bulbs can be left in the same spot and will come up year after year, giving you low maintenance, reliable flowers. Sometimes though, even bulbs need a little help. Keep reading to learn more about how to divide flower bulbs.
When to Divide Plant Bulbs
How often should I divide bulbs? That really depends on the flower. As a rule, however, bulbs should be divided when they get so overcrowded that it’s noticeable. As bulbs grow, they’ll put out little offshoot bulbs that cluster around them. As these offshoots get bigger, the space the bulbs have to grow starts to get too crowded, and the flowers stop blooming as vigorously. If a patch of flowering bulbs is still producing leaves but the flowers have gotten lackluster this year, that means it’s time to divide. This is likely to happen every three to five years.
How to Divide Flower Bulbs
When dividing bulb plants, it’s important to wait until the foliage dies back naturally, usually in the autumn. The bulbs need that foliage to store up energy for next year’s growth. Once the leaves have died, carefully dig up the bulbs with a shovel. Each larger parent bulb should have several smaller child bulbs growing off it. Gently pry off these child bulbs with your fingers. Squeeze the parent bulb -- if it’s not squishy, it’s probably still healthy and can be replanted. Replant your parent bulbs where they were and relocate your child bulbs to a new spot. You can also store your new bulbs in a dark, cool, airy place until you’re ready to plant them again.
-
The Best Gifts For Gardeners: 25 Thoughtful Ideas To Delight For Christmas 2024Treat that special gardener in your life to a gift they'll cherish over the holiday season and for many years to come, with our expertly curated selection.
-
Try These 5 Types Of Spruce Trees – Easy Ways To Add Evergreen Beauty To Every GardenYou might not have the largest yard or plot, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow the mighty spruce. These 5 types of spruce trees are very adaptable to different spaces
-
Pretty Spring Bulbs For PollinatorsWhat are the best flowering bulbs for pollinators in spring? Click here to find out.
-
Grow An Early Spring Flowering Bulb LawnWant a lawn that nourishes pollinators, never needs weeding, and grows more beautiful every year? We have the lawn for you. Click for more.
-
When To Dig Up Bulbs That Bloom In SummerClick here to learn when to dig up faded summer bulbs of some of the most common ornamentals grown.
-
Corms, Tubers, And Bulbs That Are Deer ResistantWe love tulips, and so do deer! If you have hungry deer and you hunger for spring blooms, this article should help.
-
Care for Bulbs After BloomingIt's tempting to chop down the leaves after you bulbs have bloomed, but you have to resist this urge! Click to learn why.
-
Best Spring Bulbs for Sun and Shade: Bulbs That Grow in Shade and Full SunBulbs are beautiful harbingers of spring. Most flower bulbs thrive in full sun, but what if you have a shaded landscape? Read on for more.
-
Bulb Life Cycle In Winter: What Bulbs Do For Months Under The SnowDormancy in winter doesn't mean nothing is happening with bulbs. It just means you don't see any growth above the ground. Read on for more.
-
How To Plant Bulbs In Pots - Lasagna StylePlanting bulbs in containers is an easy way to create a gorgeous spring porch arrangement, especially when you use the lasagna method.
