Perennial Gardens

Flower Gifts

All products have a unique flower designs that horticulturalists and gardeners will appreciate. Branded items include: t-shirts, sweatshirts, sneakers, posters, skateboards, mouse pads, stickers, bumper stickers, buttons, mugs, tote bags, invitations, greeting cards, neckties, postcards, posters, prints and much more!

 

Bulbs

Bulbs

Q. I've recently moved to Germany and in the winter it stays around the freezing point. I planted Glads and Dahlias this summer and they are about finished blooming. Do I need to take the bulbs out or can I leave them in the ground? Also I was given a potted Calla plant - all the blooms were cut off. Can I plant it in the ground now? What should I do over the winter?

A. For glads dahlias and calla lilies the rules are all the same. They are tender bulbs/corms/tubers which cannot take any temperature down near at or below freezing. You risk losing them all. If you have one brief cold snap they will turn to mush. It is not worth the risk plus it is very easy to overwinter them.

In the fall as the cool temps arrive and before the ground gets cold spade them up and allow to dry on papers inside as in a dry dark relatively cool spot like a basement. Be very careful to dig out away from their growth as you do not want to split the underground growths. Then shake and remove most of the soil and trim off the browned top foliage and the roots. Spread them out where they will be protected and not disturbed. Let them lay there over the winter and check periodically for any rotten ones which you discard.

Then in the spring after your frost date has passed you can replant outdoors in the garden beds. At that time return to me and I will describe what I recommend in the procedure.

Since this is September I do not recommend that you plant the calla into the ground since you will need to be taking it inside very soon and knocking it out of the pot but keep it green watered and fed until then.


Q. I live in zone 6 and I just purchased 100 bulbs. I know nothing about planting them! I know it's too early [September 9th] and that the ground is still too warm but that's all I know. How close do I plant them? When do I plant them? Do I feed them or cover with mulch?

A. I see from your questions that you are aware of the conditions. Plant the bulbs in the soil beds in about one month [October 1st]. They will benefit from getting settled before winter.

Dig down into the soil and emend it with some compost leaf mold or dried leaves. Do not add fertilizer.

Set them down about 4-5" deep with the pointed part up about 6-9" apart. You can plant closely to make bunches of flowers or farther apart to have each one separate. It is according to your wishes.

Water in well and yes you can mulch one inch on top to keep them protected through the cold. It serves as a good protection.

In the spring you will see new growth pop up. Give them a quick shot of fertilizer to help them on their way. After blooming maintain the green foliage to build up the bulbs with food production from the leaves. Water well and stake the leaves if they are in the way of later flowers as annuals in your beds.


Forcing Bulbs in Refrigerator

Q. How long do you leave the bulbs in the refrigerator to simulate the cold season? Is it 8 weeks? Thanks so much.

A. Here is a write-up on forcing bulbs in a refrigerator. I feel it has all the info you need. It is great fun doing this


Flower Gifts

 

 

 

Flowers


Copyright © 2010 - 2021
DR Management
All rights reserved
Home :: Great Flower Gifts