[greengiant]

Hi
I'd be most grateful if someone can give me some advice on the following. Just a few weeks ago I planted a number of bulbs - Tulip, Crocus, Dwarf Daff and Iris - for Spring flowering (mostly in containers) and I'm alarmed to see that they're already sprouting (pretty much all of them)! I planted them to the depths advised on the packets, but I'll assume that they're still planted too shallow.
Is it possible to save them, e.g. is it just a case of throwing more compost over them or should I take them back up and replant them? I'm really eager for them to flower successfully, not least because I put a lot of time into their planting!
Though it's probably not necessary, I've included a couple of photos in case it assists with any replies. Thanks in advance!

[michael brenock]

the planting depth should be measured from the top of the bulb.the top of the bulb is visible in one of the pictures. The sprouting of the bulbs is influenced by temperature. The temperature is too high at the depth that they are planted and they will flower earlier. Cover the bulbs with more compost and put in a cooler place. The roots have to develop first before the flowering shoot emerges.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[Protein]

Mind me asking, but I have also noticed my daffodils set in the lawn are also sprouting (much like pictures) - is it a bit early for dafs too?

Presumably, there is little I can do as the bulbs are planted in the lawn, and cannot stack compost on top?

me

[greengiant]

Thanks for the advice Michael; I've covered them with compost so I'll hope for the best

[frengers80]

hi,i wouldnt be to worried,nature has a great way of working this all out naturally,recent warm spell just brought them on a little earlier.i was out planting daff bulbs yesterday and noticed established bulbs poking their heads up,weird!!!I remember one year planting daffs in april,some flowered in june i think and the following year done so as normal!!so relax

[greengiant]

Thanks frengers80. Wish I'd read your poat a few minutes earlier though as, in a fit of frustration, I've just taken up the sprouting bulbs (they sprouted again after topping up the compost) & replanted them deeper! Anyway, I hope I haven't jeopardised their chances of coming up in the Spring...

[Garlicbreath]

Hi greengiant, I wouldn't worry too much. The worst that can happen is that they may flower too early! Although you can see the shoots now if we get a cold spell the growth will just stop dead and then restart when it gets warmer again. The roots will keep developing and that's the important bit for a good show of flowers. I read somewhere once that bulbs will actually push themselves further down if they're planted too shallowly. I don't know if that's true or not

[frengers80]

hi,i work in a school an most years the junior school kids "plant "mixed bulbs,they normally just cover them with a skim of soil,we get everything from tulips,daffs,muscari etc and they all grow away fine.daffs do seem to have moved away from the suface,like magic!!!!I planted over a thousand daffs this week,feeling proud of myself,all at the correct depth i might add,should be a nice display next spring,cant wait!!

[greengiant]

Way to go frengers80!

[frengers80]

must say a big thank you to the wonderful people in lidl,5kgs of top quality bulbs for 7euro top value!!!!I discovered another online bulb seller www.peternyssen.com seems to be pretty good value,well worth checking out.