Snapping the heads is a good idea, but I didn't like the 'naked' look. Learned from a friend to tie up the wilting foliage with an string or elastic and tuck the foliage beneath other plants so the bulbs can get big and happy.

I didn't think about snapping off the heads to conserve energy for the bulbs, but am glad I do now. I've heard of braiding the foliage also, but have never tried it.

Tucking bulb foliage beneath other plants or braiding it while it's still green is only cosmetic. It's best to leave the leaves in place so the bulbs can get every last ounce of energy from them before they turn brown.

at the college gardens we would fold the stem and leaves down and wrap a rubber band around them after we cut the seed pod off . i used to volunteer there and we would do so many that my hands would be raw at the end of the day .

Just keep in mind that the leaves need to be straight, not crushed or broken from folding, in order for the bulbs to draw the nutrients to the ground.

A 10-10-10 fertilizer too!

Gardenbees said:Just keep in mind that the leaves need to be straight, not crushed or broken from folding, in order for the bulbs to draw the nutrients to the ground.

You make an important point. Many gardening authorities now say that the leaves should remain undisturbed until they begin to turn brown. However, if you plan on replacing the bulbs each year, you can do with the leaves whatever your heat desires.

i have never moved bulbs from one place to another . when is the best time to move them ?