The average bulb grower in Holland sells almost $200,000 worth of bulbs every year, most to cut flower growers who use the bulbs for growing flowers, then toss them out and buy new ones the next year. The Dutch bulb growers have found flower bulbs are one of the most profitable plants.

Flower bulbs are one of the best crops for the specialty flower grower who is growing for profit. Besides being easy to grow, most bulbs multiply rapidly with proper care. “Bulb” is a general term used to describe both true bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, and other underground food storehouses called corms (crocus), rhizomes (iris) and tubers.

For the commercial grower, bulbs that are forced to flower out of season are especially profitable. Forcing simulates natural conditions to cause bulbs to bloom months before the normal cycle. The secret of forcing is to plant early enough to allow the bulb time to develop a sturdy root system. Popular flowers for forcing include: Daffodils for Christmas, Tulips for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, Hyacinth for Valentine’s Day, and Dutch crocus for January.

CANNA. These popular large perennials, with their lush tropical foliage and gladiolus-like flowers make borders and planting beds come alive with their vivid colors. Cannas also bloom all through the summer until the first frost. Cannas prefer a fertile, well-drain loam. If your soil is poor, it can be improved by adding compost, dry cow manure and bone meal. Plant about 2 inches deep in a sunny location with a spacing of 12 to 24 inches between plants. Harvest after the first frost, when the leaves die back. The Canna spreads by underground runners called rhizomes. Lift and divide the rhizomes, discarding old growth. Store over the winter in peat moss or sand.

CROCUS. The crocus is the best known springtime flowering bulb. Hardy in almost all areas, most boom in early spring, but some species will bloom in the fall. The hybrids, also called Dutch crocus, are the most vigorous and popular for forcing into early bloom in pots. The non-hybrids bloom earlier and have unusual coloration. Crocus prefer sun or light shade, and a light porous soil. Set the corms 2 to 3 inches deep and 3 inches apart. The crocus tend to multiply almost as fast as rabbits, but a commercial grower can accelerate the process even more by root division or by inducing lateral buds. Any good book on plant propagation can show you the specific method. My favorite propagation book is: Secrets of Plant Propagation by Lewis Hill.

DAFFODILS. This hardy perennial originated in Europe and has become one of the most popular bulbs, partly because of their virtual immunity to diseases and pests. Even gophers hate daffodil bulbs! Daffodils are excellent for naturalizing, with vigorous growth, long life and an abundance of flowers. All daffodils are members of the genus Narcissus, and are usually grouped into 12 divisions according to their shape. Daffodils are easy to grow. They prefer a well drained soil and full sun or a semi shade. Bulbs should be planted early in the fall, space about 8 inches apart, and 4 to 6 inches deep. They should be most in areas with severe winters. Bulbs naturally divide in half each year, so to help the process along, you simply remove one half and plant it elsewhere. Read the rest of this entry »