Summer bulbs create a riot of colour in your garden or on your balcony. With a clever selection of varieties, you’re guaranteed beautiful blooms from June to November. Planting is easy and can be done after the last night frost through May.
Bulb varieties
Most people would be surprised by the sheer variety of summer bulbs. Well-known examples include the dahlia, gladiolus, begonia and lily but you could also opt for the charming pineapple lily (Eucomis), vibrant tiger flower (Tigridia) or elegant calla lily (Zantedeschia). Whichever summer bulbs you choose, you’ll be guaranteed a glorious spectacle of colour!
Getting started
- Step 1. Use a small trowel to dig holes in the soil; you can find the planting distance on the packaging. The rule of thumb for planting depth is ‘twice as deep as the bulb is tall’. Exceptions to this rule are dahlias and begonias, which only need to be planted a few centimetres into the soil.
- Step 2. Place your bulbs in the holes with the growing tip (the nose) facing up. For begonias, the concave side is the top.
- Step 3. Fill the hole with soil and lightly tamp it down.
- Step 4. Water them if the soil is dry.
In pots
Summer bulbs are also show-stoppers when in pots, where you can plant them a little closer together. Just make sure that the pots have drainage holes. For the best results, use clay pellets or shards at the bottom and pour the soil on top.
Interesting fact
Don’t worry if a bulb is accidentally planted upside down; they will naturally find their way up as they sprout.
Tips
- Plant along with friends and make it a garden party.
- Any soil type is suitable, as long as it does not remain wet for a long time.
- Check the packaging or online to find out whether the bulbs prefer sun or (partial) shade. Many summer bulbs are sun worshippers.
- Water them only during periods of prolonged dry weather.
