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Bulbs

How to Grow Nerines: A Beginner’s Guide

by Donna August 13, 2022

written by Donna 2 minutes read

How to Grow Nerines

Introduction

Nerines are beautiful flowers that bloom in late autumn, adding a splash of color to your garden. They’re easy to grow and care for, making them a great choice for gardeners of all levels.

Planting Nerines

Best time to plant: Spring to early summer (April to June)
Soil: Well-drained, poor soil
Sunlight: Full sun
Spacing: 7-10cm apart
Depth: Just below the surface, with the neck sticking out

Caring for Nerines

Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells
Fertilizing: Fertilize monthly during the growing season
Pruning: Cut back spent flowers and tidy up foliage in autumn
Mulching: Mulch around the plants in winter to protect them from frost

Propagating Nerines

Division: Divide large clumps of nerines in spring or early summer
Seed: Collect seeds after flowering and sow as soon as possible

Recommended Varieties

Nerine bowdenii ‘Patricia’: Pretty pale pink blooms on sturdy stems
Nerine bowdenii ‘Alba’: Crisp, pure-white blooms
Nerine bowdenii ‘Fenwicks Variety’: Clusters of up to 12 pink blooms
Nerine bowdenii `Kathleen Pollock’: Striking red flowers
Nerine undulata: Delicate pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in late autumn

Tips for Growing Nerines

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Plant the bulbs just below the surface of the soil.
Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Cut back spent flowers and tidy up foliage in autumn.
Mulch around the plants in winter to protect them from frost.

With proper care, nerines will thrive in your garden for years to come.

Flower Gardening

How to Grow Gladioli: A Complete Guide

by Gregory May 2, 2022

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

How to Grow Gladioli

Introduction

Gladioli, also known as sword lilies, are beautiful flowers that add a touch of elegance to any garden. They’re easy to grow and come in a wide variety of colors and heights.

Planting

Plant gladioli corms in moist, well-drained soil in full sun.
Plant them 6 inches deep and space them 6 inches apart.
You can plant gladioli in the spring or fall.

Care

Water gladioli regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
Fertilize gladioli every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Stake gladioli plants to prevent them from falling over.

Overwintering

In cold climates, you need to overwinter gladioli corms.
Dig up the corms in the fall after the foliage has died back.
Store the corms in a cool, dry place over the winter.

Propagation

You can propagate gladioli by dividing the corms.
Divide the corms in the fall after they have been overwintered.
Replant the corms in the spring.

Troubleshooting

Gladioli can be affected by a variety of pests and diseases.
Thrips, slugs, aphids, and grey mould are common problems.
Treat pests and diseases with appropriate pesticides or fungicides.

Recommended Varieties

Gladiolus ‘Miss Green’ – white-green flowers
Gladiolus ‘Hastings’ – orange/brown flowers
Gladiolus nanus ‘Charm’ – violet pink flowers
Gladiolus ‘Happy Weekend’ – apricot flowers
Gladiolus colvillei ‘The Bride’ – white blooms

Conclusion

Gladioli are beautiful and easy-to-grow flowers that add a touch of elegance to any garden. With a little care, you can enjoy these stunning flowers for years to come.

Flower Gardening

Dogtooth Violets: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing and Care

by Gregory November 24, 2021

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Dogtooth Violets: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Dogtooth violets, also known as trout lilies, are beautiful wildflowers that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. They are native to North America and can be found in woodlands and mountain meadows. Dogtooth violets are easy to grow and care for, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners.

What is a Dogtooth Violet?

Dogtooth violets are perennial wildflowers that grow from bulbs. They have two bright green leaves that are marked with reddish brown, trout-like spots. The flowers are white with a subtle violet tint and bloom in early spring. Each flower is accompanied by two bright green leaves. The plant is named for its small underground bulb, which resembles a dog’s pointed canine tooth.

Where to Find Dogtooth Violets

Dogtooth violets can be found in woodlands and mountain meadows across much of the eastern United States. They prefer to grow in moist, well-drained soil in dappled sunlight or light shade.

How to Grow Dogtooth Violets in a Garden

Dogtooth violets are easy to grow in a garden. Here are the steps:

Choose a location in your garden that receives dappled sunlight or light shade.
Prepare the soil by loosening it with a garden fork or spade.
Plant the bulbs pointy end up, about 5 inches apart and 2 inches deep.
Water the bulbs well to settle the soil around them.
The bulbs will develop roots in the fall.

How to Propagate Dogtooth Violets

Dogtooth violets can be propagated by division or by seed.

Division: Dig up the bulbs in late summer and divide them into smaller clumps. Replant the clumps in a new location.
Seed: Collect the seeds from the flowers in the spring. Sow the seeds in a pot filled with moist potting mix. Keep the pot in a warm, sunny location. The seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks.

How to Care for Dogtooth Violets

Dogtooth violets are easy to care for. Here are the basics:

Watering: Water dogtooth violets as needed throughout the growing season. Decrease watering after blooming.
Fertilizing: Fertilize dogtooth violets once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Mulching: Mulch around dogtooth violets with a loose mulch, such as dried, chopped leaves. This will help to protect the bulbs during the winter.
Pests and diseases: Dogtooth violets are generally pest- and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to aphids and slugs.

Additional Tips

Don’t be tempted to remove the foliage after dogtooth violets stop blooming. The bulbs need the foliage to produce food for the following year’s flowers.
Dogtooth violets are deer resistant.
Dogtooth violets are a great addition to a wildlife garden. They attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Conclusion

Dogtooth violets are beautiful and easy-to-grow wildflowers that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. With a little care, they will thrive for many years to come.

Gardening

Why Aren’t My Bulbs Blooming? Troubleshooting Tips for Non-Flowering Bulbs

by Gregory August 31, 2021

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Why Aren’t My Bulbs Blooming?

Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and one of the first signs of the season is the blooming of tulips and daffodils. But what happens when your bulbs don’t bloom? It can be a frustrating experience, but there are many possible reasons why it might happen.

Sunlight

Flowering bulbs need at least six hours of bright sunlight per day. If your bulbs are planted under the shade of a tree or another structure, they may not be getting enough light to bloom.

Drainage

Bulbs need regular moisture, but they don’t like to sit in soggy soil. If the soil in your garden is poorly drained, it could be preventing your bulbs from blooming.

Bulb Quality

The quality of your bulbs can also affect whether or not they bloom. Cheap bulbs may be small or weak, and they may not produce flowers. It’s always best to buy high-quality bulbs from a reputable source.

Foliage Removal

It’s tempting to remove the foliage from your bulbs after they have bloomed, but it’s important to let the leaves turn yellow and die back naturally. This is because the leaves absorb sunlight and convert it into energy, which the bulbs need to store for the next growing season.

Fertilizer

Bulbs generally don’t need a lot of fertilizer, but if your soil is poor, it may help to fertilize them with a 5-10-10 fertilizer. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can produce lush foliage but few flowers.

Overcrowding

If your bulbs have been planted in the same place for several years, they may be overcrowded. This can prevent them from getting enough nutrients and sunlight to bloom.

New Bulbs

Sometimes, bulbs don’t bloom the first year after they are planted. This is normal and doesn’t indicate a problem.

Disease

Bulbs are generally not susceptible to disease, but it’s possible that a virus could be preventing them from blooming. Viral diseases are usually easy to identify by mottled or streaky foliage. If you think your bulbs have a virus, dig them up and dispose of them to prevent the virus from spreading.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re not sure why your bulbs aren’t blooming, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem:

Check the sunlight exposure. Make sure your bulbs are getting at least six hours of bright sunlight per day.
Check the drainage. Dig a hole near your bulbs and fill it with water. If the water doesn’t drain away quickly, your soil may be too soggy.
Inspect the bulbs. Dig up a few bulbs and inspect them for any signs of rot or damage. If the bulbs are soft or mushy, they may have rotted.
Check the foliage. If the leaves on your bulbs are turning yellow or brown, it could be a sign that they are not getting enough nutrients. Fertilize your bulbs with a 5-10-10 fertilizer.
Divide overcrowded bulbs. If your bulbs have been planted in the same place for several years, they may be overcrowded. Dig them up and divide them into smaller clumps.

By following these tips, you can help your bulbs bloom their best and enjoy their beautiful flowers for years to come.

Flower Gardening

How Much Water Do Tulips Need? A Complete Guide to Watering Tulips

by Gregory August 28, 2021

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

How Much Water Do Tulips Need?

Tulips are one of the easiest flowers to grow. They’re perfect for beginners because they don’t require a lot of water or care. But how much water do tulips need?

Watering Tulip Bulbs

When you plant tulip bulbs in the fall, water them deeply once. This will help the bulbs to wake up and start growing. After that, you can pretty much forget about them. Tulips don’t need a lot of water, and they can actually rot if they’re overwatered.

Watering Tulips in the Garden

If you’re growing tulips in the garden, you don’t need to water them very often. In fact, you can usually get away with just watering them during periods of drought. When you do water them, make sure to soak the soil deeply.

Watering Tulips in Pots

If you’re growing tulips in pots, you’ll need to water them more often than tulips in the garden. This is because the soil in pots dries out more quickly. Water your tulips in pots when the top inch of soil is dry.

How to Prevent Tulip Bulbs from Rotting

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when growing tulips is overwatering them. Tulips are susceptible to rot, especially if they’re sitting in waterlogged soil. Make sure to plant your tulips in well-drained soil, and avoid overwatering them.

How to Grow Tulips in Containers

Tulips are a great choice for growing in containers. They’re easy to care for, and they can add a splash of color to your patio or balcony. When growing tulips in containers, be sure to use a potting mix that drains well. You’ll also need to water your tulips more often than tulips in the garden.

How to Care for Tulips in the Garden

Tulips are relatively low-maintenance flowers. They don’t need a lot of fertilizer or care. However, there are a few things you can do to help your tulips thrive.

Fertilize your tulips in the spring. This will help them to produce more flowers.
Deadhead your tulips after they bloom. This will prevent them from going to seed and will help them to produce more flowers the following year.
Divide your tulips every few years. This will help to keep them healthy and vigorous.

When to Water Tulips

The best time to water tulips is in the morning. This will give the leaves time to dry before nightfall, which will help to prevent disease.

Why Are My Tulips Not Blooming?

There are a few reasons why your tulips may not be blooming.

You’re not watering them enough. Tulips need to be watered deeply and regularly, especially during the spring when they’re actively growing.
You’re overwatering them. Tulips can rot if they’re sitting in waterlogged soil. Make sure to plant your tulips in well-drained soil, and avoid overwatering them.
They’re not getting enough sunlight. Tulips need at least six hours of sunlight per day to bloom. Make sure to plant them in a sunny spot in your garden.
They’re not getting enough nutrients. Tulips need to be fertilized in the spring to produce flowers. Use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for bulbs.

What to Do If My Tulip Bulbs Rot

If your tulip bulbs rot, it’s important to dig them up and discard them. Rotting bulbs can spread disease to other plants in your garden.

Additional Tips for Growing Tulips

Plant tulip bulbs in the fall, about 6 inches deep and 6 inches apart.
Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil.
Water your tulips deeply after planting, and then water them regularly during the spring.
Deadhead your tulips after they bloom to prevent them from going to seed.
Divide your tulips every few years to keep them healthy and vigorous.

Gardening

Tiger Lilies: A Comprehensive Guide to Transplanting, Propagation, and Care

by Donna January 24, 2021

written by Donna 4 minutes read

Tiger Lilies: A Comprehensive Guide to Transplanting and Propagation

Introduction

Tiger lilies are beautiful and easy-to-grow perennial bulbs that add a splash of color to any garden. They are known for their large, showy flowers that bloom in summer. Tiger lilies can be propagated through bulbs, scales, bulbils, or seed, but the quickest and easiest method is through division of established bulbs.

When to Transplant Tiger Lilies

The best time to transplant tiger lily bulbs is when the foliage has died back in autumn. This is because the bulbs are dormant during this time and less likely to be damaged during transplanting.

How to Transplant Tiger Lily Bulbs

Dig up the bulbs. Use a shovel to cut straight down several inches away from where the plants were. Dig as far out from the main clump of the plant as needed to avoid cutting the bulbs. Then, carefully excavate inward until you find the bulbs.
Separate the bulbs. If the bulbs are in a big clump, delicately separate them. If any plant material remains on the bulbs, clip it off.
Check the bulbs. After you have lifted and separated the bulbs, check for rotten spots and discoloration. Discard any bulbs which aren’t healthy.
Prepare the bed. Prepare the bed by loosening the soil to a depth of 8 inches and adding in organic matter and bone meal.
Plant the bulbs. Plant the bulbs 6 to 10 inches apart at a depth of 6 inches. Bulbs need to be situated with the pointed side up and the roots downward.
Water the bulbs. Press soil around the bulbs and water to settle the soil.
Protect the bulbs. If you have snoopy squirrels or other digging animals, place a section of chicken wire over the area until plants sprout in spring.

How to Transplant Tiger Lily Plants

If you want to transplant live tiger lily plants, you can do so in spring or fall. However, it is important to note that you may sacrifice some flowers if you transplant during the growing season.

To transplant live tiger lily plants, simply dig up the plants and replant them in a new location. Be sure to plant them at the same depth in which they were growing and provide them with adequate water to reestablish.

Propagation

In addition to transplanting, tiger lilies can also be propagated through bulbs, scales, bulbils, or seed.

Bulbs: Tiger lily bulbs are the easiest way to propagate the plant. Simply dig up the bulbs in autumn and replant them in a new location.
Scales: Tiger lily scales are small, fleshy leaves that grow on the outside of the bulb. They can be removed from the bulb and planted in a new location.
Bulbils: Tiger lily bulbils are small, bulb-like structures that grow on the stems of the plant. They can be removed from the stem and planted in a new location.
Seed: Tiger lilies can also be propagated from seed. However, this method is more difficult and time-consuming than the other methods.

Growing Tips

Tiger lilies are relatively easy to grow. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are also drought-tolerant, so they don’t need to be watered frequently.

Fertilize tiger lilies once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Deadhead the flowers after they have bloomed to encourage new growth.

Troubleshooting

Tiger lilies are generally pest- and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to aphids, thrips, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Tiger lilies can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as botrytis and rust. These diseases can be controlled with fungicide.

Conclusion

Tiger lilies are a beautiful and easy-to-grow addition to any garden. With proper care, they will thrive for many years to come.

Spring Gardening

Spring Containers: A Rainbow of Colors to Brighten Your Garden

by Gregory June 21, 2020

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Spring Containers: A Rainbow of Colors for Your Garden

Introduction

Spring is in the air, and it’s time to celebrate with colorful containers filled with beautiful plants. From bright daffodils to delicate ferns, there’s a spring container for everyone.

Plant Recommendations from the Experts

The Gardeners’ World team and other gardening experts have chosen their favorite plants for spring containers:

Narcissus bulbocodium ‘Arctic Bells’: A dainty early-flowering narcissus with pale yellow flowers on thin green stems.
Omphalodes cappadocica ‘Starry Eyes’: This plant shines with its pale lilac flowers with star-shaped blue centers.
Narcissus ‘Tete-a-tete’: Small, wind-resistant daffodils that reliably brighten any container display.
Polystichum tsussimense: A compact, hardy fern with finely textured fronds that provides a lush backdrop for spring bulbs.
Crocus `Orange Monarch’: A vibrant orange crocus that resembles a small flame, bringing warmth to early spring containers.
Muscari ‘Valerie Finnis’: An unusually pale blue grape hyacinth with a delicious fragrance.
Drumstick primula: A cheerful perennial primula with round balls of purple flowers that bloom alongside late-flowering daffodils and tulips.

Creating Your Own Spring Container

Choose a container that is the right size for your plants and has drainage holes.
Fill the container with a potting mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Plant your bulbs or seedlings according to the spacing and depth recommended on the plant tags.
Water the container thoroughly after planting.
Place your container in a sunny or partially shaded spot, depending on the needs of the plants you have chosen.

Tips for Success

Use a variety of plants with different heights, textures, and colors to create a visually appealing display.
Plant bulbs at different depths to create a staggered blooming effect.
Fertilize your containers regularly during the growing season to keep your plants healthy and blooming.
Water your containers regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.

Gardening

Growing Amaryllis Outdoors: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

by Gregory February 14, 2020

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Growing Amaryllis Outdoors: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Amaryllis, a popular holiday gift plant, is not just limited to indoor enjoyment. In warmer climates, up to USDA zone 7b, these stunning bulbs can thrive outdoors in your garden. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to successfully plant and care for amaryllis in your outdoor space.

Planting Amaryllis Outdoors

When to Plant: New amaryllis bulbs should be planted in the fall, along with other spring bloomers. Forced plants, those that have already bloomed indoors, can be moved outside in spring after the frost has passed.
Choosing a Location: Amaryllis prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate both sun and shade. However, they bloom best in partial shade, where they receive some direct sunlight but are protected from intense heat.
Preparing the Soil: Improve soil drainage by creating raised beds or mixing in organic matter like peat or compost. This will provide nutrients for healthy growth.
Planting Instructions: Plant amaryllis bulbs neck deep, keeping the top 1/3 of the bulb above soil level. Space them 12 to 15 inches apart. Water well after planting.

Caring for Amaryllis in the Garden

Watering: Keep amaryllis moist throughout the growing season. Established plants are somewhat drought tolerant, but regular watering is important, especially during dry spells.
Fertilizing: Feed amaryllis with a balanced fertilizer once in early spring. Additional fertilizer can be applied a couple more times during the growing season as needed.
Mulching: Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around your plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and provide insulation during cooler temperatures.
Bloom Cycle: Once planted outdoors, forced amaryllis bulbs will revert back to their natural spring blooming cycle. Remove the flower stalks once they have faded.
Foliage: Amaryllis foliage typically remains throughout the summer before succumbing to fall frosts.
Overcrowding: If plants become overcrowded, divide the clumps and separate them. This can also help with reduced blooming.

Additional Tips

Acclimate forced plants to outdoor conditions gradually by slowly introducing them to more light over a period of several days.
Protect amaryllis from excessive sunlight, which can cause leaf burn.
Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and provide nutrients.
Bone meal can be used as a bloom booster for reduced blooming.

Conclusion

Growing amaryllis in the garden is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy these beautiful blooms year after year. With proper care, amaryllis will thrive outdoors, adding a touch of elegance and color to your garden.

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