The following is a list of bulb plants according to type of storage organ.True bulbs have a short underground stem called a basal plate. This plate is surrounded by “scales” or fleshy leaves that protect the growing point and tissue, and usually a flower. The dry, outer layers are referred to as the tunic. Simply, bulbs are leaf material.

Bulbets, or offsets, are the small bulbs produced to the side of the bulb. Bulbils are the small bulbs produced above ground in the leaf axils, usually on lilies.

Examples include:

• Alliums (Flowering Onions)
• Chionodoxa (Glory-in-the-Snow)
• Fritillaria (Crown Imperial)
• Galanthus
• Hippeastrum (Amaryllis)
• Hyacinth
• Iris (bulbous types)
• Lilium (Lily)
• Lycorus (Surprise Lily, Magic Lily)
• Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)
• Narcissus (Daffodil)
• Ornithogalum
• Oxalis
• Scilla (Squills)
• Tigridia
• Tulipa (Tulip)

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Spring bulbs should be moved in the fall. Mark the plants in the spring for fall digging.Remove as much soil as possible, but avoid removing the “skin” or dried layer surrounding each bulb.

If bulbs must be moved earlier in the year, remove as much soil as possible, store in a cool location or refrigerator until fall planting.

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Certain bulbs need dividing or separating in order to maintain a healthy, flowering stand. Crowded bulbs are less likely to produce a high quantity and quality flowers. When flower number and size starts to diminish, consider separating the bulbs and replant.Bulbs planted at recommended depths initially require less dividing and resetting.

Spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinthsshould be divided in September or October. Granted, it is difficult to determine the location of the bulbs without staking or mapping them out previously. Care should be taken when digging to prevent damage to bulbs. It usually is easier to dig a large area and separate bulbs then trying to dig individual bulbs separately.

If bulbs are planted among trees, shrubs or perennials consider replacing the bulbs every three to five years instead of separating. This minimizes damage to the root system of the nearby plants.

Summer flowering bulbs can be divided in early April or late fall.

Some bulbs, including Surprise Lilies (Lycoris) may not appear to need dividing. However, plants will produce more flowers if divided.

When dividing or separating bulbs, carefully remove side bulbs from the main bulb. Replant at correct spacings.

The following table provides a guideline for dividing bulbs:

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