What are bulbs?
Bulbs are “storage tanks”. They help a plant to survive dormant periods, when it is too cold or hot for it to flower, and they nourish the plant during the growing and flowering season.
There are three major types of bulbs, including true bulbs, such as Hyacinths, Daffodils, and Tulips; tubers, such as Dahlias and some Begonias; and corms, such as Crocuses and Gladioli. All vary in shape as well as size. Bulbs are sold when they are in a dormant state. You can order bulbs during the planting season from local garden centers and nurseries, or earlier from mail-order catalogs.
Plant your bulbs as soon as possible to ensure that they grow.
How to properly plant bulbs
Teardrop-shaped bulbs, including large bulbs, such as Daffodils and Hyacinths, should be planted with their tips facing up. If their tips face down, they waste their energy trying to grow in the opposite direction. Some bulbs, such as Irises, are flat or have “claws”. If a bulb has an obviously flat side, plant this side facing up. Plant all bulbs that have appendages or roots facing down. If you are unsure, plant the bulb sideways.