Getting the Best from Your Bulbs

1. Location matters
   Choose a spot where you’ll enjoy their glorious display to the fullest. Plant shorter blooms at the front of borders, with medium and tall varieties behind them. For maximum impact, plant bulbs in large groups or drifts, or intersperse them with cheerful spring annuals like pansies and primulas.
2. Containers for patio charm
   Bulbs thrive in pots too, making them perfect for patios and courtyards. Most bulbs prefer a depth of 10–15cm, but ranunculi, ixias, daffodils, and tulips need deeper containers. Ensure pots have good drainage, but never allow roots to dry out. Water daily and enjoy their beauty up close.
3. Soil preparation with Bio Rock Root Builder
   Healthy roots mean healthy blooms. Prepare beds or containers at least a week before planting to allow fertilisers to dissolve. Dig in generous compost, then add a handful of planting fertiliser. For an extra boost, incorporate Bio Rock Root Builder. This natural fertiliser enhances root development, ensuring bulbs establish quickly and grow stronger. Water well after planting, and for pots, add water-retaining granules to help soil hold moisture during dry spells. Feed throughout the growing season and after flowering with Bio Ocean or Bulb Food.
4. Depth success
   Follow instructions carefully. As a rule of thumb, plant bulbs at a depth three times their height. Space large bulbs 10–15cm apart and smaller ones 3–5cm apart. Avoid pressing bulbs too firmly into the soil. Instead, place a tablespoon of river sand beneath each bulb to create a secure but gentle base.
5. Watering wisely
   Begin watering immediately after planting. Even if no foliage is visible, bulbs are busy establishing roots underground, and they need moisture to succeed. Add mulch to retain soil moisture and protect against temperature fluctuations.
6. Avoid common pitfalls
   Spring-flowering bulbs dislike excessive heat radiation. Avoid planting along driveways, paths, or sunny walls unless you can provide shade or protection. Never use fresh manure, as it can burn delicate bulbs.

Bulbs to Befriend in April

End-of-April planting is ideal for:

• Anemone
• Babiana
• Freesias
• Hyacinths
• Ipheion
• Ixias
• Muscari
• Ornithogalum
• Ranunculus
• Sparaxis
• Tritonias
• Waterblommetjies
• Dutch iris

Grow for success:

• Full sun lovers: Anemones, ranunculus, and most indigenous bulbs (except freesias).
• Partial sun: Daffodils thrive in morning or dappled light.
• Semi-shade: Freesias, hyacinths, and grape hyacinths prefer cooler, sheltered spots.

April is a gardener’s golden opportunity. With careful planning, the right soil preparation, and the added strength of Atlantic Fertilisers Bio Rock Root Builder, your bulbs will reward you with a breath taking spring spectacle. Plant now, nurture through winter, and come September, your garden will be bursting with colour, fragrance, and life.