Spring Bulbs: They Were Beautiful...But Now What?

SAVE THOSE LEAVES!

First came crocuses, then daffodils, now hyacinths and tulips! Once the flowers are spent, You can cut them off, but don’t cut the leaves! They are making and storing food for next year and need about 8 weeks in the sun. When the leaves turn yellow and droop, it's time to remove them.

FREE BULBS NEXT SPRING

One of the great things about spring bulbs is that they multiply! You can let the patch keep expanding, or divide the clump and spread the cheer around the yard. Many people advise dividing in the fall – problem is, how to find them when they aren’t sprouting? We find that it is easiest to dig the bulbs after blooming, when the leaves are yellow or brown. Carefully dig up the clump and separate the bulbs. Replant the bulbs in their new locations at the same depth then wait for next spring!

SAVING BULBS IN A POT

If you have a Spring Magic sPOT full of blooming bulbs, they can be replanted in the yard following the same procedure as the previous story: leave bulbs in the pot until the leaves yellow, then dig them out carefully. If you would rather replant in the fall after removing bulbs from the pot, cut back the dead leaves and let bulbs dry away from direct sunlight. When dry, remove remaining leaves and long roots, and store bulbs in a dark, cool place until late October when you can replant.