What soil amendment is a high phosphorus fertilizer used in flower beds containing bulb plants?

• A. Gypsum
• B. Bone meal
• C. Perlite
• D. Lime

Answer: (B)

Phosphorus promotes strong root development and flowering, which is especially important for bulb plants in flower beds. A high-phosphorus amendment helps bulbs establish and produce vibrant blooms. Bone meal fits this need because it’s a natural fertilizer rich in phosphorus and releases it slowly as the soil microbes break it down, providing a steady supply around the bulbs as they grow. Gypsum adds calcium sulfate and sulfur but not much phosphorus, and it doesn’t directly boost phosphorus for bulbs. Perlite is an inert material used to improve drainage and aeration, not a fertilizer. Lime raises soil pH and adds calcium, not phosphorus. So bone meal is the best choice for supplying the phosphorus that bulbs and flowering plants rely on.