How to Split Planted Bulbs
If you grow plants from bulbs, sooner or later the bulbs will need to be split or divided. Most bulbs will get to a point where they provide a large base plant. However, if the bulbs are too crowded together beneath the ground, the plants will simply not bloom. With just a spade and a few minutes of your time, you can divide your bulbs and replant them elsewhere in your landscape. That will expand the beauty at no cost! Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Clear leaves, mulch or debris from around the base of the clump of flowers that you want to divide. You do not need to wait until the plant is done blooming.
Using your finger, draw a circle 4 inches from the outside of the clump.
-
2
Drive your spade straight down, not angling it inward. Make similar downward cuts along the circle you made in step 1. Repeat this until you have gone completely around the clump.
-
-
3
When you have gone completely around the plant, pull back on the handle; lift then entire clump out of the hole. Gently place it down on its side. Remove most of the dirt with your hands to reveal a large tangle of bulbs.
Gently pull each bulb away from the clump, working the stalk of the plant along with it.
-
4
Replant each bulb in a new spot, burying it to a depth of 7 to 8 inches. This plant may droop for a week, but it should come back the next year as a healthier flower.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
After many years, you may find you simply have more bulbs than you really want; giving them away is a simple gift that other gardeners will love. After you have separated the bulbs, choose some that have blossoms still on them. Place the bulb in water in a vase, and you have a ready-made gift!
Be very careful that your spade goes vertically when you're digging up bulbs. Otherwise, you will cut the bulbs, which ruins them.
References
- Photo Credit Photo by Linda Batey
