Johnson's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2007 
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/advice.html#flowers

How Many Dutch Bulbs Do I Need? 

    Many customers are stumped by this question. They end up buying
"some" bulbs and are often disappointed with the results. You can
plant the correct number of bulbs by following the chart below:


TYPES OF BULBS           SPACING     PER SQ FT  PER 100 SQ FT

Crocus/Other Smaller Bulbs  3"          16          1600     

Dutch Iris/Hyacinths        4"          9           900

Hyacinths/Narcissus/Tulips  6"          4           400

Tulips/Some Large Bulbs     8"          2.25        225

Some Large Bulbs            10"         1.5         150

Some Large Bulbs            12"         1           100

    For example, if you have a 100 sq. ft. area you want to plant with
narcissus, you will need to purchase 400 bulbs. Use these numbers as a
guide when shopping ... keeping in mind that this is just a guide. For a
more spectacular show,  purchase a larger quantity of bulbs.


More Bulb Planting Tips 

1. Choose a location that gets full or part sun. You may plant most
bulbs from September to December.

2. For best effect, plant bulbs in clusters. Don't plant in rows ...
they will never bloom perfectly straight. It is better to use staggered
or random spacing. Try just tossing them in the bed and planting them
where they fall.

3. It is best to dig the entire bed area to the proper depth before
planting the bulbs.

4. Work in Cotton Boll Compost and gypsum to condition the soil.
Good drainage is essential.

5. Mix Hi-Yield Bone Meal into bottom of hole to provide a
slow-release fertilizer.

6. Plant bulbs with the pointed end up. 

7. Cover bulbs with soil. Use Dutch Bulb Food fertilizer on the
surface.

8. Water in with ferti-lome Root Simulator. If the weather is dry,
water bulbs once a month through winter as long as the ground is not
frozen.

9. Mulch to keep soil moisture in and ground temperatures even.

10. Plant bulbs using our Dutch Bulb Planting Package.