Spring bulbs and autumn bulbus - what is the difference

Spring flowering bulbs are called fall bulbs, because we plant them in the ground in the fall. Examples of fall bulbs include tulips, daffodils, lilies, snowflakes, crocuses, anemones, hyacinths, snowdrops, and alliums, but also more unusual fall bulbs like summer snowflake. Many of these bulbs bloom very early in the season, before other plants, and are therefore a long-awaited sign of spring after a long and barren winter. On the other hand, fall flowering bulbs are called spring bulbs, simply because the bulbs are planted in the spring. Examples of spring bulbs include primroses, autumn crocuses, gladioli and dahlias - many of them bloom when much else is starting to wither in the garden.

The selection of flower bulbs is enormous. Every year new varieties emerge, especially tulips - they come in almost every color and shape today. Autumn bulbs peeking up in late winter not only make us happy, they are eagerly awaited by pollinating insects waking up hungry after winter hibernation. There is not much else blooming at this time of year. The same can be said for spring bulbs that bloom late in the fall and replace the withered summer flowers. To have a long-lasting blooming, you should choose different flower bulbs that bloom at different times. Snowdrops are usually the first to appear, they can bloom as early as February, and after that come crocuses, snowflakes, tulips, and fantastic allium.

It is always good to get newly purchased flower bulbs in the ground as soon as possible after buying them, to avoid the bulbs drying out or getting moldy. The planting depth for most flower bulbs is 2-3 times as deep as the bulb is large. A tablespoon of bone meal in the planting hole promotes growth, but other than that, flower bulbs are generally easy to grow. Regular potting soil is usually fine. It is also not worth fertilizing too much, as too much nitrogen can actually result in fewer flowers and excessive leaf growth.

Bulb plants look particularly nice in groups, the more the merrier. Plant them directly in the ground or in a large pot, or plant flower bulbs in a bulb lasagna, where different bulbs are planted in layers so that they bloom one after the other.

Deer, rabbits, hares, and various types of short-tailed mice are fond of certain types of flower bulbs, such as tulips, while they detest other types, such as lilies and allium. If you can't protect your flowers with a fence, try planting flower bulbs that these animals like together with flower bulbs they can't stand. This way, the chances are higher that the flowers will be left undisturbed.

After flowering, you should leave the leaves to wither away, as the energy goes back from the leaves to the bulb so it can bloom just as beautifully again next year. If you think the leaves look sad, you can plant a perennial that covers the leaves next to it or roll the leaves together a little so they aren't as visible.

Liselotte Roll, Swedish garden inspirator, journalist, and author of books on nature, gardening, and animals, such as "Earth", "Cultivating for Insects", and "Chickens as a Hobby". (Photo: Sandra Birgersdotter Ek)