Barcelona Single mid-season, 45cm
Bokasa Single
Bokasa Rose Single
Casablanca Double late, 25cm
Flaming Parrot Single late, 70cm
Golden Parade Single
Ile de France Single mid-season, 45cm
Kees Nelis Single mid-season, 45cm
Kingsblood Single late, 60cm
Monet Single
Monet Gold Single
Monet Lemon Lace Single
Monet Single mid-season, 60cm
Peking Single
Purissima Yellow Single
Purple Prince Single
Queen of the Night Single, late 60cm
Washington Single
Apotheose Double early
Aurora Lady Butterfly split
Dolly Mollinger Split corona, early, tall
Erlicheer Double, fragrant very early
Geranium Single
Ice Follies Single
Jetfire Single, mid-season 20cm
King Alfred Single, early
Lemon Beauty Split corona, mid-season
Mrs Oscar Ronalds Single
Mount Hood Single, mid-season
Sir Winston Churchill Double
Tete a Tete Single, early 10-15cm
Unsurpassable Single
White Lion Double
Cultivation Most bulbs grow best in well-drained soil in full sun, some benefit from planting in grit to give especially sharp drainage
Choose healthy, clean bulbs that are a good size; small bulbs will not flower well.
Bulbs that need to be lifted are generally best planted in bedding type scheme; you can then lift them without damage to the emerging neighbouring plants.
Bulbs in containers should be planted in a good potting mix and grit added to give sharp drainage. Water regularly and well placed in full sun and water well and regularly but do not leave sitting in water, as the bulbs will rot.
Container bulbs can be planted in the garden after they have finished and, while they may not do as well in the second season, most will soon settle down and flower happily.
Plant in tulips autumn, April to May, when the soil temperature has dropped. Tulips need a cool period to flower; if you live in a warm area, putting the bulbs in the vegetable crisper of the fridge for six to eight weeks before planting. Bulbs treated this way are unlikey to perform well in later seasons.
Soil requirements are for a slightly alkaline soil, a moderately fertile soils and perfect, sharp drainage. Add grit to the planting hole or dig grit into the entire bed. If your soil is heavy then plant in a container not the garden.
Water regularly without soaking the soil and do not water at night leaving the sol wet as temperatures drop.
Lift the bulbs after flowering has finished and the foliage browns. Clean carefully and store in an onion bags in a cool, well-ventilated place. Some recommend dusting with insecticide to prevent moths and other pests attacking the bulbs, this is your call.
Narcissi
Plant from end of January in cooler districts, later where it is warmer. Narcissi are most successful in cooler areas and a thick mulch may increase success in warmer areas the display will not rival more temperate regions..
Planting in the plastic cages made for water plants will protect you bulbs from a rash thrust of the spade or fork, and make locating them easier if you want to lift and divide or move them.
Dig a hole for each bulb, twice the size of the bulb as a minimum and add some compost or bulb fertiliser if the soil is poor.
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus sp.)
Plant in a sunny position in well-drained soil. Bone meal mixed into the base of the planting hole is worthwhile.
It is not necessary to lift and store hyacinths annually, but you may find that you need to replace bulbs after two or three years if flowering and flower size have reduced.
Pests and Disease
Tulips suffer from botrytis, when the foliage has a greyish appearance and blooms are affected.
Aphids and mites may also affect bulbs. Spraying into the center of the emerging leaves with pyrethrum will reduce aphids.
Narcissi can suffer from narcissi fly, maggots or basal rot.
Narcissi do not require annual lifting and division is required only if flowering has reduced due to overcrowding or you want the bulbs. Lift after the foliage has yellowed.
Atlantic Lady Derby L'Innocence d'Aeslios Paul Herman Woodstock
More Bulbs for your spring garden. Ideas on planting and using Tulips, Narcissi and Hyacinths in the garden, plus cultivation tips and photos galore
More Bulbs for your spring garden. Ideas on planting and using