Short Tutorial on How to Divide Bulbs and Corms

Dividing bulbs and corms in the fall is a great way to propagate perennial plants and ensure healthy growth for the next season. Here's a step-by-step tutorial on how to divide bulbs and corms:

Materials Needed

• Garden fork or shovel
• Pruning shears or a sharp knife (I use my Hori-Hori gardening knife)
• Gloves
• Compost or bulb fertilizer (bone meal is perfect)
• Labels (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose the Right Time

• Timing: The best time to divide bulbs and corms is in the fall after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. This is typically after the first frost. That said, you can begin to dig up those bulbs in August if temperatures are cooling.

Step 2: Prepare the Area

• Water: A day or two before digging, water the area where the bulbs are planted to make it easier to lift them.
• Tools: Gather your garden fork or shovel and other tools.

Step 3: Dig Up the Bulbs

• Careful Digging: Use a garden fork or shovel to gently lift the bulbs from the ground. Start digging a few inches away from the clump to avoid damaging the bulbs.
• Lift Gently: Carefully lift the clump from the soil, keeping the bulbs as intact as possible.

Step 4: Clean and Inspect

• Clean: Brush off excess soil to see the bulbs or corms clearly. It won't hurt to spray them with water to get the mud off, then wait for them to dry to brush them.
• Inspect: Check for signs of disease or damage. Discard any bulbs or corms that are soft, moldy, or damaged.

Step 5: Separate the Bulbs

• Natural Separation: Many bulbs and corms will naturally pull apart into smaller sections. Gently separate them by hand.
• Cut if Necessary: If the bulbs are clustered tightly, use pruning shears or a sharp knife to cut them apart. Make sure each section has some roots and, ideally, a few intact scales (for bulbs). If you cut the bulbs, leave them to air out so the cut "cures" by developing a skin over the cut. If you plant too early, the bulb may contract a disease or provide a predator worm or bug with some exposed meat.

Step 6: Prepare for Replanting

• Trim Foliage: If any foliage remains, trim it back to about an inch above the bulb.
• Amend Soil: Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and adding compost or bulb fertilizer to enrich it. If you're using bone meal, follow the instructions on the bag or carton.

Step 7: Replant the Bulbs

• Depth: Plant the divided bulbs at a depth that is roughly two to three times the height of the bulb. For example, if a bulb is two inches tall, plant it about four to six inches deep. If you're replanting or planting iris bulbs, their depth is just below the ground.
• Spacing: Space the bulbs according to their type, usually about three to six inches apart.
• Orientation: Plant with the pointed end up and the root end down. With long corms or bulbs (like iris), place them in sets of three with the roots down, and the leaves creating the outer border, tips touching on the inside of that circle.

Step 8: Water and Mulch

• Water: Water the newly planted bulbs thoroughly to help settle the soil and encourage root growth.
• Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to protect the bulbs over the winter and retain soil moisture.

Step 9: Label (Optional)

• Label: If you are dividing different types of bulbs, consider labeling the areas to remember what was planted where. I arrange stones around my beds so the person who cuts my lawn (I'm old and I've quit mowing) won't cut my newly planted bulbs. It's a system that works for us.

Tips

• Bulb Types: Some common bulbs that benefit from division include tulips, daffodils, and lilies, while corms include crocuses and gladiolus.
• Frequency: Divide bulbs every 3-5 years or when you notice a decrease in blooms or when the plants are so crowded even weeds won't grow.

By following these steps, you'll ensure your bulbs and corms are healthy and ready to bloom beautifully in the spring. And that's always an exciting sight to watch those flowers grow and bloom!

Photo by Dan Hamill at Pexels.com.