When should bulbs be fertilized with a high phosphorus fertilizer such as bone meal?

When should bulbs be fertilized with a high phosphorus fertilizer such as bone meal?

• A. In spring
• B. Immediately after flowering
• C. In midsummer
• D. In fall

Answer: (B)

Phosphorus helps the bulb grow a strong root system and build up stored energy for next year’s bloom. Applying a high-phosphorus fertilizer like bone meal immediately after the flowering period takes advantage of the plant’s shift from flowering to bulb development, directing nutrients into the storage bulb while it’s still actively forming. Bone meal is slow-release, so it supplies phosphorus over time as the bulb stores energy for the next growing season. Fertilizing in spring tends to boost leafy growth and flowering more than bulb storage, midsummer is often past the critical bulking phase, and fall is less effective for this purpose. So, right after flowering is the best time.

Phosphorus helps the bulb grow a strong root system and build up stored energy for next year’s bloom. Applying a high-phosphorus fertilizer like bone meal immediately after the flowering period takes advantage of the plant’s shift from flowering to bulb development, directing nutrients into the storage bulb while it’s still actively forming. Bone meal is slow-release, so it supplies phosphorus over time as the bulb stores energy for the next growing season. Fertilizing in spring tends to boost leafy growth and flowering more than bulb storage, midsummer is often past the critical bulking phase, and fall is less effective for this purpose. So, right after flowering is the best time.