"Daffodils, hyacinths, tulips and other spring flowering bulbs are a welcome addition to many of our gardens. Providing a bit of care can help boost their beauty and longevity.
Water thoroughly during dry springs as needed to keep these plants looking their best. Spring is also a good time to fertilize fall planted bulbs that were not fertilized or established plants in need of a nutrient boost. Apply Milorganite, a low nitrogen slow-release fertilizer, as leaves appear or soon after. Apply two pounds per one hundred square feet for best results. This low nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer provides needed nutrients and won’t damage the plants if the weather turns hot and dry.
Remove spent flowers on tulips and hyacinths to direct the energy back into the bulbs instead of setting seeds. Do the same to improve the appearance of daffodils. And if you are overrun with grape hyacinths and invasive squills, a little deadheading will help slow them down.
Leave the leaves on your bulbs until they naturally yellow and dry. The leaves produce energy needed for beautiful blooms next spring. The longer you leave the leaves intact, the more energy and better bloom for next season.
Hide the declining bulb with annuals and perennial flowers. As the bulbs decline, the nearby flowers grow and mask the declining foliage and extend the bloom time in your garden."- Melinda Meyer
