From our perspective, the question of orientation is fundamentally about anatomy. We are not a true bulb, like a tulip or daffodil, but a corm. This is a crucial distinction. A bulb is layered, like an onion, storing its energy in modified leaves. A corm, however, is a solid, swollen stem base. This means our entire being is designed around a stem's architecture. On our flattened, somewhat disc-like body, you will find several key features. The top, which must face upwards, is usually characterized by one or more small, pointed protuberances. These are our buds, the nascent beginnings of the stems and leaves that will reach for the sun. The bottom is where the roots will emerge. This area often has a slightly rougher texture and may still have remnants of dried, hair-like roots from the previous season clinging to it. It is typically more concave or flat compared to the budded top.
Planting us upside down initiates a stressful and energy-wasting struggle for survival. If our root zone is facing upwards, the emerging roots will be forced to grow into the air or the wrong layer of soil, where they cannot anchor us properly or access water and nutrients. Simultaneously, the buds on our top, now buried too deep, will exhaust their stored energy reserves in a desperate, contorted attempt to correct their course and grow downwards before then trying to loop back upwards towards the light. This chaotic growth pattern depletes the very energy meant to fuel a robust bloom. In many cases, the sprout simply cannot make this journey and fails to break the soil surface, leading to rot and death. Even if a plant does emerge, it will be severely weakened, resulting in stunted growth and few, if any, of the magnificent flowers we are known for.
To ensure we thrive, please follow this protocol. First, hydrate us by soaking in room temperature water for 3-4 hours before planting. This rehydrates the corm and gives us a vital head start. Then, select a sunny location with well-draining soil; we despise having our feet constantly wet. Plant us approximately 2 inches deep. The most important step: place us into the soil with the claw-like, pointed buds facing upwards and the more flattened, often slightly concave side with any root remnants facing downwards. Space us about 6-8 inches apart to give our roots and foliage ample room to expand. If you are in a colder climate (zones 4-7), planting us in the spring after the last frost is ideal. In warmer zones (8-10), we prefer to be planted in the autumn for a late winter or early spring display.
When planted correctly, our biological processes unfold with perfect efficiency. The stored starches and nutrients within our corm are channeled directly towards their intended purposes. The buds on top, sensing the warmth of the sun above, quickly send up green shoots that move directly towards the light to begin photosynthesis. Meanwhile, the basal plate at our bottom senses the moisture and coolness of the soil, triggering the immediate development of a healthy, fibrous root system that grows downward and outward to stabilize us and begin drawing in additional water and minerals. This synchronized, upward and downward growth allows us to efficiently convert our stored energy into a strong plant that can support a prolific display of flowers, fulfilling our purpose and ensuring our success for the season.
