More information about Bulb planting
Due to their ease of growth, bright colors, and pleasant aromas flowering bulbs are a perennial favorite among gardeners the world over. And while it can be as easy as planting and watering, better results can be achieved by incorporating an all natural fertilizer such as Nature Meal for Bulbs during the planting process.
Spring flowering bulbs require cooler temperatures and longer incubation periods than some flowers. By planting in late fall, the biochemical process required to start the bulb towards growing into a flower can be assured. They also need more time to establish roots, so it is important to get them into the ground before it freezes.
Bulb flowers can grow in sun or in shade, and many varieties are strong enough to withstand significant temperature swings, such as extended heat waves or late freezes. Some types of bulbs such as snowdrops can even bloom during a snowstorm!
Bulbs are living plants, despite their appearance, and require the same attention. Watering and feeding them is an important step to the success of the flower, as is the use of supplements such as Nature Meal for Bulbs or other organic fertilizers when you plant them. Keep bulbs from drying out by storing them in a cool, dark place before you plant them.
To plant, dig a small hole 6-8 inches deep (depth varies with species) and place the bulb tip up to avoid wasting the energy it would take the bulb to have to grow in the opposite direction. Add your growth supplements such as Nature Meal for Bulbs, refill the hole, tamp the dirt gently, and water until saturated.
By following these tips and using Nature Meal for Bulbs organic fertilizer, you can achieve a bright, beautiful, and full flowering success from all your bulbs this spring.
Bulbs and the history of the Dutch Tulip crash
Holland is the world’s largest grower, reseller, and exporter of flowers and flowering bulbs throughout the world. The Dutch have dominated the world flower market from the earliest 16th century up to the modern day. Currently Dutch firms handle over 2/3rds of the modern world flower market, bringing in an estimated € 5 billion Euro per year in revenue. But the flower market hasn’t always been so rosy for the Netherlands.
In 1593 tulips were first introduced to the Dutch through trade with Turkey. The novelty of the flower made it moderately expensive but it wasn’t until a non-fatal viral mutation known as “mosaic” began to appear on the flowers and alter their appearance that interest in the flower really took off. The mutation gave the flowers a distinctive “flaming” appearance found no where else in the world, and soon people began to seek out these new hybrid flowers, increasing the demand and value of tulip bulbs to preposterous levels.
People began trading animals, savings, houses, and in some instances entire estates for the latest types of tulips all with the hope of selling them to others at an even more inflated price. The market value of tulip bulbs was thought to have no limit, as it was assumed an unnamed group of foreigners would soon be depended upon to purchase the ridiculously overpriced greenery. When savvy investors realized the market was not developing as planned and began to see it slowing down, they consolidated their holdings and quit buying more bulbs. With buyers no longer interested in flower speculation, the market had nowhere to go but down and began a crash the likes of which has never been seen since. Once thought priceless bulbs that had been worth vast sums of money and land were reduced to the value of an individual vegetable. The ensuing depression and economic hardships served to teach the Dutch investors a harsh lesson on the reality of inflated trading tactics.
Since that time, Holland has been one of the most cautious, yet profitable, economic markets in the world. Because of that catastrophe, modern tulip growers have formed cooperatives and established reasonable market parameters to ensure the Holland flower market never experiences such a failing again. Combine this hard learned market awareness with the great skills of Dutch floriculturists at making new hybrids, and Holland looks to remain the world leader in flowers and bulbs for a long time to come.