Caring for bulbs after blooming is important to the future health and productivity of the bulb. If you do nothing, your bulbs won't perform well year after year.
These are general steps you can follow to ensure that your bulbs are well taken care of:
- Allow the foliage to die naturally. After flowering, the foliage of the bulb is still green, and it is important to allow it to die naturally. This process helps the bulb store energy for the next growing season. Don't be tempted to cut back the foliage until it turns yellow and withers away.
- Deadhead the flowers. Deadheading is the process of removing the faded flowers from the plant. Do this immediately after the bloom has faded to prevent the bulb from putting its energy into making seeds and encourages it to store nutrients for next year's blooms.
- Water the bulbs after bloom. It is essential to water the bulbs after blooming. Water them well and ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize the bulbs. Fertilize the bulbs with a bulb fertilizer or a balanced fertilizer after blooming. This helps the bulb to store energy and nutrients for next year's growth.
- Lift and store tender bulbs. If you have planted tender bulbs such as gladiolus, dahlias, or cannas, you may need to lift them after blooming and store them in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.
Here's an informational video on how to care for bulbs? Click here.