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When to remove winter bedding plants planted on top of bulbs?

Hannah_KennedyHannah_Kennedy Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Good morning!

I planted bulbs for the first time this October just passed and to cheer up the empty looking tubs I planted them in I planted some winter bedding plants on top. I checked with my local garden centre who said this would be fine, however I never asked when I should remove them!

Over the last couple of weeks one of the tubs appears to be already sprouting small shoots from the bulbs planted there. I think they are tulips (we had hundreds of bulbs in different varieties very generously gifted to us from parents).

I'm now worried if this is the bulbs time to shine and the bedding plants are shrouding them and causing damage?Should we remove the winter bedding plants? Or is it still too early for tulips to bloom?

The bedding plants are Solanums if this makes any difference.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Hannah

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Hello Hannah, welcome to the forum  :)
    The bedding plants shouldn't make any difference to the bulbs, they will find their through regardless.
    Tulips usually flower around late April or May depending on the variety. 
    If the plants are looking healthy l wouldn't worry too much. 
    When you say solanum,  are they more like miniature shrubs ? I'm having trouble picturing them.
    Think l need more tea !

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Bulbs will grow through bedding plants without issue.  Are they Solanum Pseudocapsicum (aka Jerusalem or Winter Cherry)?

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Hannah_KennedyHannah_Kennedy Posts: 3
    BobTheGardener said:
    Bulbs will grow through bedding plants without issue.  Are they Solanum Pseudocapsicum (aka Jerusalem or Winter Cherry)?

    Thanks Bob, yes they are Jerusalem cherries, it quickly realised this would have been an easier babe to put in after posting!
  • Hannah_KennedyHannah_Kennedy Posts: 3
    AnniD said:
    Hello Hannah, welcome to the forum  :)
    The bedding plants shouldn't make any difference to the bulbs, they will find their through regardless.
    Tulips usually flower around late April or May depending on the variety. 
    If the plants are looking healthy l wouldn't worry too much. 
    When you say solanum,  are they more like miniature shrubs ? I'm having trouble picturing them.
    Think l need more tea !

    Thanks Anni!

    Incredibly helpful!

    They're also known Jerusalem cherries 😊.

    Thanks

    Hannah
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Those are not fully hardy and usually die with the sort of frosts we are currently having in the UK.  If that happens, I would just cut them back to the ground, leaving the roots in the ground as removing those may well disturb the bulbs.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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