Understanding and caring for spring bulbs

• Biology
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Understanding and caring for spring bulbs

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify the preferred growing conditions for agapanthus, daffodils, and tulips. At the end of the lesson you will understand the lifecycle and maintenance requirements for each of these spring bulbs. At the end of the lesson you will be able to describe the process of layering bulbs in containers.

What do you already know about bulbs?

Bulbs

scales are thick fleshy leaves and based around the stem

The Tunic is a paper covering that protects the scales and the stem as it's developing

The Bud is connected to the basal plate, roots and scales

The Roots grow out of the basal stem

Scale

Basal plate

Tunic

Bud

Roots

Which part of the plant is responsible for storing nutrients?

1. Scales are thick fleshy leaves
2. Tunic layer protecting the stem
3. Roots growing out of the basal stem
4. Bud connected to the basal plate

What part of the plant are the scales associated with?

1. Supporting the growth of flowers
2. Attached directly to the roots
3. Thick fleshy leaves based around the stem
4. Covering the tunic layer

What is the relationship between the bud and the basal plate?

1. Located above the tunic layer
2. Connected to the basal plate, roots, and scales
3. Responsible for photosynthesis in the plant
4. Protected by the outermost scales

Where are the roots of the plant located?

1. Grow out of the basal stem
2. Attached to the scales
3. Develop directly from the bud
4. Embedded within the tunic

What is the purpose of the tunic in a plant's development?

1. Protects the scales and the stem
2. Supports the growth of new leaves
3. Supplies nutrients to the scales
4. Produces flowers for pollination

Agapanthus

Agapanthus thrive in pots with snug roots, featuring deep green foliage and tall stems with purple-blue or white flowers, requiring minimal water and full sun.

They are from South Africa and flower in summer

Daffodils

Daffodils are low-maintenance, perennial spring bloomers that need their foliage left intact post-blooming to save energy for spring.

Tulips

Tulips, suitable for containers, offer a variety of colors and are often treated as annuals, allowing for easy removal post-bloom.

Flower early to late spring

Perennial spring flowers that need their foliage left to die naturally to recharge for the next season

A bulbous plant with deep green foliage and tall flowering stems, preferring pot cultivation

Bulbous plants often grown as annuals in containers, with a diverse range of colors and varieties.

Which flower needs its foliage to die back to preserve energy for regrowth?

1. Hyacinths
2. Tulips
3. Daffodils
4. Agapanthus

Which flower is an early to late spring bloomer?

1. Agapanthus
2. Hyacinths
3. Tulips
4. Daffodils

Which flower requires little watering due to its place of origin?

1. Tulips
2. Agapanthus
3. Daffodils
4. Hyacinths

Where do Agapanthus originate from?

1. South Africa
2. North America
3. Europe
4. Asia

Which flower prefers to be in a pot rather than in the ground?

1. Daffodils
2. Hyacinths
3. Tulips
4. Agapanthus

Planting bulbs

1. Get a pot at least 15 cm deep.
2. Put a few stones at the bottom of the pot to stop the drainage holes clogging up with compost.
3. Put a 5 cm layer of compost in the pot, then place the biggest, latest-flowering bulbs (e.g. late tulips) in a layer on top of the compost. Space the bulbs about 2.5cm apart.
4. Cover the bulbs with a 5 cm layer of compost.

• Add another layer of smaller, earlier-flowering bulbs (e.g. daffodils) on top of this compost, spaced about 2.5cm apart so that the bulbs below can find their way past them.
• Cover these bulbs with another layer of compost.
• If you have a deep enough pot, you could put in the third layer of early flowering bulbs, such as Iris reticulata, and cover them with a final layer of compost.

What should be placed at the bottom of the pot?

1. Leaves
2. Plastic
3. Sand
4. Stones

How deep should the pot be?

1. At least 10 cm
2. 20 cm
3. 5 cm
4. At least 15 cm

What's the spacing between bulbs?

1. 2.5 cm apart
2. 10 cm apart
3. 5 cm apart
4. 1 cm apart

What's the first layer after placing stones?

1. 2 cm layer of soil
2. 1 cm layer of sand
3. 5 cm layer of compost
4. 3 cm layer of mulch

What should be the last layer in the pot?

1. Layer of fertilizer
2. Final layer of compost
3. Layer of rocks
4. Layer of water

What is the final step after placing the bulbs and covering them with compost?

1. Expose the bulbs to direct sunlight
2. Leave the pot dry
3. Add more stones on top
4. Water the planted bulbs

What is the recommended layer of compost after placing the biggest bulbs?

1. 8 cm layer of compost
2. 10 cm layer of compost
3. 2 cm layer of compost
4. 5 cm layer of compost

How far apart should the bulbs be spaced?

1. About 1cm apart
2. About 2.5cm apart
3. At least 5cm apart
4. About 4cm apart

What should be placed at the bottom of the pot?

1. Stones to stop drainage holes clogging
2. Leaves from the garden
3. A layer of soil
4. Plastic wrap

How deep should the pot be for planting the bulbs?

1. At least 15 cm deep
2. At least 20 cm deep
3. At least 10 cm deep
4. At least 25 cm deep

What have you learned about bulbs this lesson?

The most interesting thing in this lesson was the bulb structure.

The bulb structure is fascinating and complex.

Understanding bulb structure is essential for gardening.

I found the bulb structure quite dull.

I prefer learning about planting techniques instead.

I was most intrigued by the different kinds of bulbs.

Learning about different bulbs was eye-opening.

The diversity of bulbs is captivating.

I didn't find the different bulbs very interesting.

I would rather focus on practical planting methods.

The way to plant bulbs was the most engrossing part of the lesson.

Planting techniques are crucial for successful gardening.

I found the planting process very engaging.

I didn't find the planting process particularly interesting.

I prefer learning about the science behind bulbs.