How to Identify Flower Bulbs Without Leaves

Color, Shape and Size

1). Examine the color of the bulb. Some bulbs are light brown, like the tulip bulb, and others are dark, almost black, like the calla lily bulb. The hyacinth has a dark purple skin.
2). Measure the length and the width of the bulb. The calla lily bulb is long and slender, while the asiatic lily bulb is wide, almost like a partially flatten ball. The hyacinth is over 2 inches around, while the dwarf iris is 3/4-inch wide at its base.
3). Examine the overall shape. The tulip bulb resembles garlic, with a ball-like base that cones at the tip to a point. The daffodil bulb is similar, but thicker at the tip without a point. The dwarf iris has a tear drop shape, and the base is like a slender ball.

1). Narrow the identification to the flower family if you can't identify the specific bulb at first. For example, the liliaceae family consists of lilies and daffodils. These bulbs are typically 1 to 2 inches in diameter and have a teardrop shape with a pointed tip.
2). Look for the daintiness of the iridaceae bulb. Any bulb that has a white skin color and normal 1-inch diameter would belong to the iris family.
3). Look for the size and weight of the hyacinthaceae bulb. This bulb often has dark purple or brown skin and is larger than the average bulb. Hyacinth and scilla belong to this group with their 3 1/2- to 4 1/2-inch width.