Because flower bulbs only bloom once annually, they may be planted in phases to extend the bloom cycle. Bulbs that are planted when they first become available will be the first to bloom in spring.

The term ‘bulbs’ actually describes five types of subterranean plant parts that accumulate and store resources to ensure survival of the plant through dormancy. True bulbs, such as amaryllis and daffodil are composed of swollen leaves, known as ‘scales’ that are firmly attached to a basal stem plate from which roots emerge.