Weed & Grass Killers That Are Safe for Flower Bulbs

• Herbicides destroy unwanted plants through systemic or on-contact methods. Arthur Tilley/Creatas/Getty Images

  Controlling weeds and unwanted grasses in the flower garden optimizes flower growth and reduces unsightly plants. Herbicides -- pesticides that destroys unwanted plants and grasses -- work to control weeds in a selective or non-selective manner. Selective herbicides destroy a specific species while non-selective herbicides kill any plant they contact, according to the University of Rhode Island. Selecting an herbicide safe for flower bulbs requires an understanding of the weed, grass and flower life cycle, as herbicide application can render soil unusable, destroy desirable plants or cause human health concerns.

Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer

• Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer is a non-selective herbicide that kills grass and weeds at the root system. Spectracide is available in three sizes (26 oz, 1 gallon and 1.3 gallons) and the active ingredients are diquat dibromide, fluazifop-p-butyl and dimethylamine salt. The solution kills 155 weeds, including brassbuttons, tumble mustard, creeping beggarweed and crabgrass. Appy Spectracide after flower bulbs have been removed or prior to planting.

Princep

• Princep is a triazine class pre-emergent herbicide that can be used on flowerbeds and ornamental plantings, according to the book, "Common Sense Pest-Control." The active ingredient in Princep is simazine, which controls broad-leaf variety and grasses. The solution controls a variety of weeds including lambsquarters, water hemp, carpetweed and catchfly, according to Cornell University.

  Proper application of Princep requires careful planning and safety measures. The product should be applied using a ground sprayer that provides good coverage and minimal contact with the skin or inhalation should be avoided. Use this product when the targeted weed's seeds begin germination.

AAtrex 4L

• AAtrex 4L offers greater flexibility in application management. The product can be applied "preplant surface, preplant incorporated, pre-emergence, or post-emergence," according to the maker of the product Syngenta. The product controls several weed types such as wild buckwheat, ragweed and annual morningglory. The active ingredient in AAtrex 4L is atrazine, which inhibits photosynthesis when absorbed through the root system. Apply this product before or after weeds appear.