Flowering bulbs in The Tropical Paradise

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What would a Tropical Paradise be without flowering bulbs?

Planting bulbs is a lot of fun in a warm climate. Here at The Tropical Paradise I've lost track of how many different types of bulbs that I have planted, but I know the best ones are daffodils (at left), iris (actually rhizomes, not bulbs), freesia, crocus and hyacinth. Bulbs that require cold temperatures, like tulips, do not grow here. The time to plant bulbs here in the desert is in the fall. The ground doesn't freeze here, so you don't need to lift them for the winter.

I strongly recommend daffodils. Plant them fairly deep (several inches) and they will multiply over the years. After they finish blooming, avoid the temptation to trim back the leaves, let them die back naturally because that is how the plant gains the energy for the next year's blooms. 

The post on getting iris to bloom is here.

Crocus
Crocus (at right) are the earliest bloomers - you will see them start blooming in late January or early February. They are very, very tiny, so plant them up front where they can see!

I have had good luck with bulbs from Home Depot, fancy online bulb sites, and even the Dollar Store! The key is to show them respect as plants. Give them a place to grow with fresh potting soil. Add some slow-release fertilizer, like Osmocote. Add in some polymer moisture crystals, or use a potting soil that already has it, such as Miracle Grow Moisture Control. Me, I do all of the above. Yes, I spend a dollar for ten cents worth of a bulb sometimes, but it works!


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