When it comes to providing a huge splash of summertime color to flowerbeds and landscapes, spring planted bulbs are the answer!
Not only are they big on color, they are easy on long-term care. Spring planted bulbs require very little to plant and maintain, and their benefits go well beyond their pretty looks outside.
They are also an excellent choice to grow and provide cut flowers for arrangements inside the home.
In general, spring planted bulbs can go in the ground a few weeks before the last frost.
The rule of thumb for many old-time gardeners is to plant at a depth 3 times of the bulb going in the ground, with the point facing up.
Almost all flowering bulbs, whether planted in the fall or spring will perform best in fertile, well-drained soil.
But beyond that, care is limited, and the rewards are many!
Although there are many varieties to choose from, here are 2 excellent choices to plant, grow and provide beauty and interest in your flowerbeds this summer.
2 Great Choices For Spring Planted Bulbs
Gladiolus
One of the showiest spring planted bulbs of all, Gladiolus produce a sensational array of flowers on long spikes.
They can provide a big burst of color when planted in small groups or in a mass plantings. Gladiolus are also perfect as a cut flower, providing loads of color and height to any flower arrangement.
Glads are best planted in full sun to achieve their maximum color. They can survive in partial shade, but the blooms will be less dramatic.
Plant bulbs a few weeks before the last frost date in your area, spacing 4 to 6″ apart. Gladiolus perform best in rich, fertile soil, so be sure to add in a healthy dose of compost in the planting hole.
As they grow to full height, you can stake Gladiolus to keep blooms upright in the garden.
Simply dig up bulbs each fall, and store in a cool, dark area until planting time next spring. Product Link : Glad Bulbs – Pastel Mix – Purple Prince Gladiolus Bulbs
Dahlias
Dahlias are in reality a tuber, but are planted and grown like a bulb.
Their incredibly large and beautiful blooms can instantly become the centerpiece of any landscape or flowerbed.
Our favorite is the dinnerplate variety that as the name implies, have blooms that can be the size of a large dinner plate. Talk about a conversation piece!
Although they require little work after planting, Dahlias do best when planted in rich, fertile soil with plenty of nutrients to provide power for their showy blooms.
Be sure to use plenty of compost at planting time in and around the tubers, and on top as a mulch. Adding in a few tablespoons of an organic fertilizer such as worm castings will go a long way as well.
See : 3 Simple Organic Fertilizers That Can Power Your Garden
As for when to put in the ground, plant Dahlias once the threat of frost has passed.
Tubers can be dug up in the fall and over-wintered in a cool, dark spot for planting each year. Product Link ; Lady Darlene Dinnerplate Dahlia Bulbs
Here is to planting a few summertime bulbs in your landscape this year! Jim and Mary.
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