Whether you are looking for bulbs to plant at your home, or bulbs to grow for sale, there are some key things to keep in mind when choosing bulbs. The bulbs you are buying should be planted according to the directions on the package. Also, bulbs should be stored in a cool, dry place. They are also best planted in fall, and brought into the house after Christmas.
Bulbs are underground storage structures that contain carbohydrate sugars to fuel plant growth. They are similar to corms and tubers. The bulb itself is a large underground bud, which has fleshy overlapping leaves. Some bulb leaves are modified leaf bases, while others act as food reserves when water is unavailable. The bulb also has underground structures that allow the bulbs to survive, such as rhizomes, which are underground stems.
Bulbs prefer soil with good drainage, and loose, organic matter. The bulb will grow best in shaded areas, but can also thrive in a sunny location. You can plant bulbs in groups, or mix different bulbs together to form a continuous display. Most bulbs prefer a full sun location, but some are happy in part shade. If you choose to grow bulbs in a shaded area, water them regularly until the foliage turns yellow. Continue to water them minimally after the flowering period is over.
Bulbs are usually planted in a pot or container with about a quarter inch space at the top. When planting, use a quality potting soil, and tap to settle the soil. You should also cover the soil with a thin layer of fertilizer. Depending on the species, bulbs will need a complete fertilizer around the base of the leaves. You can also use an inorganic fertilizer at a rate of 2 to 3 pounds per 100 square feet. If the bulbs are in the ground, they can tolerate very cold temperatures. You should avoid freezing the bulbs, as they will rot.
Bulbs can be treated for 12 to 13 weeks to make them grow faster. Once they are out of the cold treatment, they should be placed in a cool, sunny window. They should then flower within 3 to 4 weeks. You should also remove spent flowers and cut the flower stalks to the foliage. You can also remove leaves that are starting to yellow.
If you are looking for bulbs to grow for sale, you should also check the color temperature of the light. The color temperature of light is measured in Kelvin. Higher temperatures have a warmer color, while lower temperatures have a cooler color. Most brands describe 3,500 K temperatures as “bright white,” though some bulbs are labeled as “daylight.”
Some bulbs are labeled with an R9 value, which indicates how well they depict red tones. This value was developed by lighting designers in a laboratory setting. It is also used to help determine the amount of light a bulb is able to give off. The higher the R9 value, the better the bulb will be able to depict red tones.
