When people think of flowering electric light , they ordinarily mean of springtime favorites like daffodil and tulip . However , there are a horde of bulb that flower later on in the summer too , and many gardeners enjoy planting these so that they can take over when the springtime flower are finished .
Most summer bloom electric-light bulb are relatively easy to care for in comparison to some of their more finicky spring cousin-german . Let ’s look at how to choose , works , and care for summer flowering bulbs .
Time Line for Care of Summer Flowering Bulbs
Choosing Bulbs
Before planting , crack your bulbs to be sure they ’re viable . Whether you purchased them from a store , a glasshouse , or are transplanting them from your own garden , there ’s little point in planting weak or utter light bulb . Healthy bulbs will be loyal and comparatively heavy . Lightweight , crunchy or squishy bulbs are light or even dead .
Planting Summer Bulbs
summertime electric-light bulb are best engraft in the spring after the soil has warmed . The timing will depend onyour flora hardiness zone . The soil and melodic phrase do n’t need to be spicy , but they do need to be well beyond freezing . Each variety has a different depth requirement and the “ pointy end ” ( theme ) should be up for fastest germination . bring 50/50 concoction of soil and aged manure or compost around the bulb to give it a little nutritional boost as it spread roots .
Watering Summer Bulbs
Regularly irrigate the electric-light bulb as you would any other flowering industrial plant , but be trusted not to over - do it . Once the leaves are duncical and robust , you’re able to likely irrigate your bulbs about three times a week in most climates .
Over-Wintering Summer Bulbs
Most summer bulb will not over - wintertime . They will have to be cut into up and kept safe in a ascertain climate ( refrigerator or cool elbow room ) . This intend you ’ll involve to delve up the bulbs once the frost has go under in for the winter . look until the first deep frost has kill the works above earth , but do n’t wait until the land has frozen for the winter . Dig up the bulbs by digging out from the edges of the works by about two inches and going inwards in a vanadium - shape , taking care to fend off impinge on the lightbulb itself .
cautiously remove it with the scandal ( do n’t force by the stem ) and then clean the stain off by brush with your fingerbreadth or a light hand broom . Do NOT grip by the stem and shake , white with water , or otherwise disturb the bulb . It can be lay in dirty without a job .
In the leap , replant and let it grow again !
Day lillies - CC flickr photo by Andrea_44
Summer Flowering Bulb Varieties
democratic summertime - flowering bulbs include :
Begonias
Plant these shallowly so they are just covered in dirt . They are susceptible to rot , so keep them gamy in the filth and water only enough to moisten the soil is of import . Stakes are also often call for because of their relatively shallow root and top - heavy blooms .
Dahlias
These are very easy to mature and hail in a rainbow of color . These can be bulge out from source ( in most varieties ) , but lightbulb are easier and can be transfer .
Gladioli
unremarkably grown as cut peak , these need full Dominicus to fly high . found them in interval of about a week aside go on blooms going through most of the summertime and early free fall . These often involve to be venture , especially the large - flower varieties most democratic amongst porch - side growers .
Cannas
These need full sunshine and should be dug up before the first hoar as they are delicate .
Caladium
These are grown for folio rather than flower , as their foliage is colored and beautiful .
Daylilies
One of the most democratic of the garden “ filler ” plants , these beauties are often underrated . By using unlike varieties and staggering the planting , you could have a whole season of efflorescence from these .
Want to learn more about summer flowering bulbs?
discipline out these helpful websites : NC State University – Summer Flowering BulbsUniversity of Illinois – Bulbs Planting and Care
