From our perspective, the best time for this operation is when our foliage begins to yellow and die back, typically in late spring. This is not a sign of weakness but a clear signal that we are entering our summer dormancy period. Our energy, stored safely in our bulbs beneath the soil, is no longer being expended on photosynthesis through our leaves. Disturbing us while we are in full leaf and actively growing is stressful and can deplete our resources. By waiting until our foliage has nearly finished its work, you intervene at the moment we are most prepared for a period of rest and reset, allowing us to focus all our energy on re-establishing our root systems in a new location.
Please approach this task with care. Using a garden fork, gently loosen the soil around our clump, keeping a respectful distance from the main cluster to avoid slicing through our bulbs. Lift the entire clump out of the ground. You will notice that we grow in a tight community; our bulbs are connected, and smaller offset bulbs (our children) are clustered around the larger mother bulb. Do not simply pull us apart by force. Instead, gently tease the clump apart with your fingers, separating us into smaller groups of bulbs. This method minimizes damage to our protective outer tunics and keeps our root systems as intact as possible.
Our requirements for a new home are simple but crucial for our survival. Prepare the new planting area with loose, well-draining soil enriched with a little organic matter like leaf mould or compost. This provides a welcoming environment for our new roots to explore. Plant each of our bulb clusters at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb itself. This ensures we are protected from temperature extremes and have a stable foundation. Space the clusters about 3 inches (7-8 cm) apart to give us room to multiply and form new clumps over the next few seasons without immediate competition. Always position us with the pointed growing tip facing upwards.
Once we are settled in our new locations, water the area thoroughly. This helps the soil settle around our roots, eliminating air pockets and providing the immediate moisture we need to begin our recovery. While we are drought-tolerant during our summer sleep, this initial watering is vital. After that, nature’s rainfall will usually suffice until we re-emerge. Refrain from applying strong chemical fertilizers at this time, as they can burn our delicate new roots. A top dressing of compost is a much gentler and more natural way to provide nutrients. Then, simply allow us to rest. We will spend the remainder of the summer and autumn developing a strong new root system, gathering the strength required to send up fresh flowers and leaves when the next winter ends.
