Bulbs

Buried treasure: bulbs carry an entire flower, pre-packed, waiting for the right season — which makes them the closest thing to guaranteed in gardening. Our bulb guides cover the spring classics (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus), summer performers (lilies, gladioli, dahlias) and the bulbs that suit Indian climates, where many spring bulbs need pre-chilling but rain lilies, football lilies and gladioli thrive naturally. Each guide gives the two numbers that matter — planting depth (usually three times the bulb’s height) and planting month — plus aftercare: letting foliage die down naturally is the secret to bulbs that return better every year.

The mistake that costs people their second year is tidiness – cutting the leaves down as soon as flowering ends. Those leaves are refilling the bulb for next season. Leave them until they yellow and pull away easily.