Bulbs are containers. Each of them houses all of the necessary ingredients (except water) to grow a beautiful flower. It should come as no surprise then, that the quality of the flower you end up with depends a lot on the quality of the bulb you start with. Here are some things to keep in mind the next time you shop for bulbs.
There is a direct correlation between bulb size and flower size. This is because large bulbs contain larger food reserves, which in turn, produce larger flowers (or more of them). Always select the largest bulbs of the variety you're planting.
A good bulb will look large and plump. You should not see mold, scars, cuts, soft spots, or blemishes anywhere on the surface. The brown paper covering (called the tunic) should be intact, although it's fine if it shows signs of cracking, gaping, or flaking. Avoid bulbs that are discolored, or those showing active growth from the roots or neck (a short green tip shoot at the neck is okay). Bulbs should never appear shrunken or dried out, unless you are shopping for ranunculus or anemone, which always look like they are withered up.
A good quality bulb feels firm to the touch. When you poke the base with your index finger, it should feel solid and free of soft spots. When you pick it up, it should feel heavy for its size.
Avoid these:
Rhizomes, corms, and tubers are all bulbous types of plants. Many times, they are all loosely grouped together as bulbs. Whether you are shopping for true bulbs, rhizomes, tubers, or corms, the buying tips are all the same.
Large bulbs come with a higher price tag, so if you're planning to do a large planting, medium grade bulbs may be your best option. You should still get a moderate display of flowers, but stepping down to a slightly smaller bulb can save you a lot of money if you're buying large quantities of bulbs. In general, shop early for the best selection and be prepared to plant your bulbs as soon as possible. Above all, do your research. Know the conditions required to grow what you're buying.
About The Author: Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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