From my very beginning as a dormant bulb nestled in the soil, my relationship with water is one of delicate balance. I am a self-contained storage unit, packed with all the energy and nutrients I need to initiate my growth in spring. My thick, fleshy scales are designed to hold ample moisture, but they are also incredibly susceptible to rot if left sitting in saturated, oxygen-deprived soil. My primary need is not for constant water, but for excellent drainage. When you plant me, the soil should be loose and gritty, allowing any excess water to quickly drain away from my body, preventing my delicate tissues from becoming waterlogged and beginning to decay.
Once I break dormancy and send my green shoots towards the sun, my water requirements increase significantly. This is when I am actively photosynthesizing and channeling energy into producing my beautiful bloom and strengthening my bulb for the next season. During this period of growth and flowering, consistent moisture is ideal. Please water me deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. A deep, thorough watering encourages my roots to grow downwards, creating a stronger, more resilient plant. It is far better to water me well once than to give me small, frequent sips, which only wet the surface and encourage shallow root systems.
After my flower has faded, my work is not done. This is arguably the most crucial time for my hydration. I am now using my leaves to gather sunlight and convert it into energy, which is being sent down to recharge my bulb for the following year's display. Continue to water me as needed, keeping the soil moderately moist for approximately six weeks after blooming. Do not be tempted to cut back my foliage until it has yellowed and died back naturally; this is how I feed myself. Withholding water too soon will starve my bulb, resulting in a weak or non-existent flower next spring.
When my foliage has completely yellowed and withered, I am entering my dormant period. My need for water drops to almost zero. At this stage, excessive moisture is my greatest enemy. Wet soil during my summer dormancy creates the perfect environment for fungal pathogens and bacteria to attack my dormant bulb, leading to rot and my complete demise. If I am planted in the ground in a well-draining location, natural rainfall is often sufficient, unless you experience a severe drought. If I am in a container, you must stop watering me altogether and move my pot to a dry, sheltered location, or lift my bulbs and store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place until autumn planting.
