Flower bulbs bloom based on the energy they have absorbed during the previous season. Therefore, in their first year, flower bulbs always bloom successfully, even in poor soil conditions. However, this blooming success is not guaranteed from the second year onwards. For most types of flower bulbs, a suitable soil (with a loose structure and sufficient nutrients) is just as necessary as it is for perennials.

When to fertilize?

The best time to fertilize flower bulbs is early in the spring. It won’t immediately affect this year’s bloom, as the entire forming flower is already neatly folded and waiting for spring. However, it is very beneficial for next year. A good time to fertilize is when the ‘noses’ just start to emerge from the ground.
You can fertilize your flower bulbs with organic fertilizer. The reason for fertilizing now is that the bulb starts absorbing nutrients as soon as it has finished blooming. If you fertilize in time, the nutrients will already be in the soil near the bulb, ready to be absorbed. Fertilizing just before it rains helps improve absorption into the soil.

What type of fertilizer to use?

Organic fertilizers are 100% natural, derived from animal or plant sources. They come in many different types (for various applications). Organic fertilizers release nutrients more slowly than synthetic fertilizers, but in a more gradual manner.

Depending on the soil type and the type of bulb, you can choose from various organic fertilizers. It is important to pay attention to the ratio of key elements in fertilizers: N – P – K. A higher potassium content ensures stronger, greener plants, but also more resilient plants. A more stress-tolerant plant is not only stronger and larger, but it often blooms more richly or bears larger fruits. For flower bulbs, it results in a richer bloom. This is particularly important for daffodils that grow and bloom for many years in public green spaces but sometimes become less floriferous.

Magnesium is an element that plays a crucial role in the formation and functioning of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll enables the production of sugars through photosynthesis and gives leaves their deep green color. Healthy, green leaves ensure that new bulbs have a longer period to grow underground.

Nitrogen (N) helps many things grow, like grass, plants, and trees, but due to the large amounts of nitrogen already present, it is a less desirable addition in the ecological management of public green spaces.

Fertilize all flower bulbs?

Naturalizing bulbs are very hardy and usually spread well on their own. At Verver Export, we believe that these bulbs should be planted in the right location for successful naturalization. Fertilizing these bulbs is an unnecessary intervention that disrupts the soil life and nature at these locations rather than benefiting it!

Here, it is important that fallen leaves remain on the ground, gradually improving the soil with organic matter.

Forgot to fertilize early – too late now?

Did you forget to fertilize the bulbs when they first emerged? It’s not too late. In this case, use a liquid fertilizer as an alternative. Plants absorb the nutrients from liquid fertilizers more quickly. A limited dose is sufficient, but for the best effect, it should be applied more frequently. So, it is simpler and cheaper to fertilize early.

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