|
BULBS FOR SPRING BLOOMS Now is the time to prepare your soil for bulb planting. A little preparation now will produce healthier growth and more beautiful flowers in spring. Bulbs like good drainage and organic matter. It’s best to spade in about four to six inches of organic material along with a low nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10 which is rich in phosphorus and potassium. Bulbs need phosphorus and potassium to keep them strong and healthy. Water the area well and allow it to rest before planting your bulbs. With our warm temperatures it is best not to rush mother nature. Buy bulbs as soon as they are available and store them in a cool spot until planting time. The largest bulbs will produce the best flowers. The following favorites do very well in the valley: Ranunculus and Anemone: Plant about November 1st, about 2 inches deep and about 10 inches apart. Plant ranunculus with claws pointing down and anemone with point down. Keep moist but not wet. Daffodils or Narcissus: Plant about November 1st, about six inches deep and about six to nine inches apart. Plant with pointed end up. Dutch Iris: Plant about November 1st, about five to six inches deep and about six to eight inches apart. Tulips: Plant tulip bulbs about around the middle of November, but first you must keep them in your refrigerator for six to eight weeks so they will think they are up North. It’s best to store in paper sack, in vegetable drawer. Plant bulbs about six inches deep and about six to nine inches apart. Hyacinths: Plant about November 1st, about six inches deep, about six to nine inches apart. Hyacinths, like tulips, must be kept in the refrigerator in order to have success. Hyacinths do well also in special hyacinth water jars. Freesia: Plant about November 1st, about six inches deep, and about six to nine inches apart. Freesia, like all bulbs, like morning sun and afternoon shade if possible. Gladiolus; Plant about November 1st, about six inches deep and about six to nine inches apart. Gladiolus do well with morning sun and afternoon shade. Petals may burn in the sun especially if corms are planted in December or January. Asiatic Lilies: Plant about November 1st, about six inches deep and about twelve to fifteen inches apart. Do best when they get morning sun and afternoon shade. Amaryllis: Plant bulbs about November 1st to the 15th , require morning sun and afternoon shade. Plant with about two thirds of the bulb above the surface of the ground. The larger the bulb the bigger the flowers. Please note that most of the above mentioned bulbs, corms, or fleshy root do well in containers as well as in the ground. In containers use a good quality potting soil instead of Arizona soil. |
|
|