Can I Grow Bulbs in My Polytunnel Installation?

There is absolutely no reason why you can't grow bulbous plants in your polytunnel construction. If you are thinking about growing bulbous plants, you need to think about what bulbs are going to do well in your polytunnel installation.

 

Growing Traditional Bulbs

 

By all means, you can grow traditional bulbs in your polytunnel. But!There is a slight downside to growing what is often called traditional bulbs. As your polytunnel is slightly warmer than your garden, it is unlikely that the flowering period of your bulbs will last as long as it would if you grew your bulbs in your garden.

 

Instead of growing traditional bulbous plants such as tulips, it is a good idea to aim for more exotic plants.

 

Where Can I Buy Exotic Bulbs?

 

The best place to buy exotic bulbous plants is online. That does not mean that you need to turn to Amazon as the best place to buy.

 

Instead of using Amazon, you should check out the specialist horticultural suppliers. You can learn a lot from them when it comes to growing exotic bulbs. Many of them probably grow their plants in polytunnels.

 

You should also take some time out to visit garden shows and flower shows. Chelsea Flower is perhaps one of the best, there are manyotherhorticultural shows around the UK that are less expensive to enter. The advantage of visiting a show is that you get a chance to chat with like-minded growers.

 

Starting With Lilies

 

One of the best starter exotic bulbs for your polytunnel installation is the lily. You probably think that it sounds boring, but there are many beautiful varieties of lilies that you should consider trying.

 

One of the best things about lilies is that they look stunning and put on a display for a long time. They are also the kind of plant that is easy to give away. Almost all of us like to receive a lily as a gift.

 

Once you have experience of growing lilies in your polytunnel construction, you can move on to other exotic flowering bulbs.

 

Do All Exotic Bulbs Have Large Blooms?

 

No, not all exotic bulbs have large blooms. There are smaller ones that are just as beautiful asthyelarger blooming lilies. The downside is that they are often trickier to grow and may require more love and attention. If you have time on your hands, there is no reason why you should not try to grow them. Popular choices include Oxalis and Alliums. Both have long flowering periods and are perfect for a polytunnel installation.

 

Do I Need to Insulate My Polytunnel Installation?

 

Yes, there are a few upgrades that you may want to think about doing to your polytunnel installation before you buy your exotic bulbs. That includes insulation and adding growing benches.

 

Smaller bulbous plants are difficult to work with when they are on the ground. On top of that, you are probably going to want to spend time admiring the flowers. It is best to make sure that you have enough room for growing benches in at least part of your polytunnel construction.

 

Never be frightened to experiment. That is the best way to expand your collection of both exotic and less exotic plants.