When purchasing, the photo on the packaging reveals which flower bulbs we are holding. But when we dig them up again, the question arises: Which flower bulb belongs to which flower? And is it of good quality to guarantee us magnificent flowers?
How do I recognize different flower bulbs?
To recognize flower bulbs, first check their quality based on firmness, lack of damage and smell. Then compare the size and shape with pictures online or ask experienced gardeners. However, the bulb does not reveal the flower color and requires prior marking.
Quality and freshness
In stores, flower bulbs may wait for days for a buyer. The conditions at the sales stand are not always optimal. There may therefore be a loss of quality. It doesn't help that it's a special bargain.
Flower bulbs dug up in autumn and overwintered should also be subjected to a quality check before planting. The he althier a flower bulb is, the more beautiful it will bloom.
Quality features
You can recognize a perfect, he althy flower bulb by the following characteristics:
- it feels firm and full
- has no soft spots
- has no damage or stains
- doesn't smell musty like mold
Tip
The size of a flower bulb also plays a role. The larger specimens of a flower variety have more energy than smaller bulbs. They will sprout more vigorously and produce larger flowers.
Different flower bulb varieties
Each flower bulb variety has a slightly different bulb, both in shape and size. Knowing which variety is in which onion helps us with the visual design of the garden or balcony.
Purchased flower bulbs can be quickly identified by the illustrated packaging. Loose bulbs, on the other hand, have no visible sign that indicates future flowering. Without special knowledge, no one can correctly identify a flower bulb.
General guidelines
If you have a bunch of different flower bulbs in front of you and don't know what varieties they are, the following guidelines will provide guidance:
- small onions usually belong to small varieties
- large bulbs usually produce large flowers
- Onions that look the same belong to the same variety
Compare with pictures
You will definitely know which bulbous plants have bloomed in your garden. Search the Internet for onion photos of these varieties. Compare the pictures with the onions you have in front of you. You will quickly be able to assign them correctly.
Tip
Perhaps a garden neighbor already has more experience in this area. Then he can help you assign them correctly in no time.
Detecting flower color
In addition to the type of flower bulb, the color of the flower is also important when designing the flower bed. Unfortunately, the flower bulb does not reveal this characteristic to us.
The only thing that helps is to make a mark during flowering and keep it during storage. But be careful: Some onion plants like to change color. For example, tulips return to their wild colors of yellow and red over the years.
