Know Your Bulbs!
Spring has arrived, which means bulb season is here! Right now, spring-flowering bulbs are blooming all across the country, bringing much-needed cheer to gardens everywhere. At the same time, gardeners are preparing to plant their spring-planted/summer-flowering bulbs now, in order to extend that beauty and color into the fall. From bold, hardy flowers to delicious, edible plants, bulbs offer immense variety to our homes and gardens. So, how well do you know your bulbs? Let’s find out!
What is a bulb?
Any part of a plant that grows underground.
A rounded, underground bud that houses the life cycle of certain plants.
A mass of fibrous roots.
A thick, underground stem or rhizome.
Which of these flowering bulbs blooms in the spring?
Iris
Gladiolus
Canna Lilies
Tulips
Which of these flowering bulbs blooms in the summer?
Dahlias
Daffodils
Crocus
Hyacinth
Which of the following plant families contains both bulbous AND fibrous-rooted varieties?
Iris
Begonias
Daffodils
Peonies
As a rule of thumb, how deep should most bulbs be planted?
Three times as deep as the width of the bulb
Twice as deep as the height of the bulb
Plant it shallow, just under the surface of the soil
Just lay it on the ground
Which of the following edible plants is NOT a bulb?
Onion
Garlic
Leeks
Potato
Which of the following methods is NOT a good way to chill your spring-flowering bulbs?
Plant them in the ground in the fall
Store them in the basement or in the refrigerator for the winter
Store them in the freezer for the winter
Buy them pre-chilled at the garden center in the spring
Why is it generally recommended to plant spring-flowering bulbs with fertilizer?
It forces them to flower before the winter
It keeps animals away
It helps the bulb establish strong roots before winter
It is not recommended
What are the signs of a good-quality bulb?
Large and firm
Small and firm
Large and soft
Small and soft
Where can bulbs be planted?
In the ground
In a raised garden bed
In a container
All of the above
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Bulb Beginner
You’re new to bulbs—but hey! Growing bulbs is easy, and now is your chance to learn. Try planting a few summer-flowering bulbs in your garden this month!
Bulb Buff
You know a good deal about growing bulbs, but haven’t quite mastered them just yet. The best way to learn is by doing—so get those summer-flowering bulbs in the ground soon!
Bulb Boss
You’re a bulb pro—we’ll soon be calling you for gardening advice!