When I think of bulbs, I think
of Amaryllis, daffodils, and tulips. I also think of onions.
Besides true bulbs, there are corms, rhizomes, tubers, and tuberous
roots. They each are different yet so alike.
There are two (2) basic groups of bulbs. One
group is called naturalizers. Bulbs that naturalize are left
in the ground, year after year. Over time, the bulbs increase
and their blooms increase in size and intensity.
Some bulbs, like tulips, need more cold than
others to naturalize. Where the ground freezes, the bulbs bloom
on year after year. Where the ground doesn't freeze, and, if
left in the ground, the blooms get smaller and smaller to eventually
the tulip is gone.
The second group of bulbs has to be replanted
every year in order to get the sought after bloom. Some may
not get enough chill, some may rot in the ground due to wet
conditions, others are just not hardy enough to survive the
winter. If you will dig up the bulb after blooming, store the
bulbs in a cool, dry place, and then, replanted at the appropriate
time, they will bloom again next season.
