Amaryllis

Preparation for Planting
The base and roots of the bulb should be placed in lukewarm water for a few hours. Remember, if you cannot plant the bulbs immediately after receiving them; store them at a cool temperature between 40-50 degrees F.

Planting
Plant bulbs in nutritious potting compost, many are available pre-mixed. Plant the bulb up to its neck in the potting compost, being careful not to damage the roots. Press the soil down firmly to set the bulb securely in place after planting.

Placement and Watering
Plant the bulb, or place the potted bulb in a warm place with direct light since heat is necessary for the development of the stems. The ideal temperature is 68 to 70 degrees F. Water sparingly until the stem appears, then, as the bud and leaves appear, gradually water more. At this point, the stem will grow rapidly and flowers will develop after it has reached full growth.

Flowering Period
Bulbs will flower in 7-10 weeks as a general rule. In winter the flowering time will be longer than in spring. Set up your planting schedule between October and April with this in mind. To achieve continuous bloom, plant at intervals of 2 weeks for stunning color in your home or garden.

Bulb Storage

Clean the bulb and place it in a cool (40-50 deg. F), dark place such as the crisper of your refrigerator for a minimum of 6 weeks. Caution: Do not store amaryllis bulbs in a refrigerator that contains apples, this will sterilize the bulbs. Store the bulbs for a minimum of 6 weeks. Plant Again. After 6 weeks you may remove bulbs whenever you would like to plant them. Plant bulbs 8 weeks before you would like them to bloom.

Mums the Word!

This has become my favorite time of year and with it comes an expectancy of colorful displays of Chrysanthemums that can be seen everywhere. I’m reminiscent of the many road trips that I’d take with my sister as we would search out the most unique and quaint garden shops to purchase just the right color, size and shape for our décor. Plant breeders have created numerous mums that are more compact, blooming more heavily, and have longer-lasting flowers than their predecessors. Many bloom quite early, stretching the season from midsummer to late fall.

Mums are usually found for sale in full bloom in early September, ready to be planted for instant color in flowerbeds and pots that will surely enhance your landscape. Be creative by mixing them with existing plants, such as, Autumn Joy sedum, purple aster or a Mexican bush sage. Plant them alongside the Silver King Artemisia, bright yellow goldenrod or blend them with the narrow-leaf zinnia, lamb’s ear, or marigolds.

Ideally mums can brighten dim areas of the garden which add color to attract attention. Place them in front of a dark background, such as evergreens or a stone wall, to increase the visibility of the blooms. With the many attractive containers available, place them along a sidewalk, at your entry, front or back door (remember the old saying, ‘back door guests are always welcome’). The cheerful blossom will last for weeks.

Whatever Chrysanthemums you choose to buy, you will find, many bloom much earlier or later in years following the season you plant them. This is because hybrid mums produced in a greenhouse are often timed to bloom at a specific time, in order to appear attractive to shoppers. Make sure the plants are not root bound when you buy them in the fall. The best way to select your mums would be when the bud is not fully opened, assuring flowering that will last!.

Mums require full sun, with light, well drained soil, that grow to heights from 1 to 3 feet. Check the soil frequently for watering. You can keep many mums blooming longer by pinching the old blooms as soon as they fade, especially in this area where the fall is very long and mild. If you choose to keep them in pots, you may plant them in the garden after they have bloomed. After a hard freeze, cut the top growth back to the ground and cover plants with a 2 to 3 inch layer of pine straw, shredded bark, or mulch.

Till next time, Grace and Peace be multiplied to you during this Holiday Season! Pamela.

The “ Dazzling” Crotons

I have found over the years when the temperatures begin to spiral downward and the leaves start to fall, one of the most appealing and striking plants for your entry way or even on that harvest scene in your front yard is the Croton (Codiaeum). These luscious plants have glossy leaves that will dazzle you with an array of bold, vivid colors of reds, oranges, and yellows that blend with swirls, blotches, and splashes of color that are sure to make a statement. This hardy plant is absolutely incredible and is a showstopper that will transform your home during this season of Harvest! The leaves can grow up to 6 inches wide and can often become as much as a foot long. Some varieties have wavy leaves, while others are narrower with the leaves shaped like an oak leaf. Also the leaves can be wrinkly and curled.

Crotons are native to tropical Malaysia, southern Asia and the Pacific Islands and are evergreen shrubs. These plants require lots of light and high humidity, so for this area when outdoors, they will obviously thrive. Mixing these plants with other spillers such as, Alternanthera, Creeping Jenny, Boston fern, or even an herb brought me a great deal of pleasure as I’d experiment by moving them to different locations.

I found if I put one in an area where there was lots of direct sunlight for 4 to 5 hours a day the leaves would be much more vivid with color. However, if placed in a more shady location the leaves would stay much greener. Do not over water these plants as the leaves will eventually wilt and drop.

As I mentioned above, when choosing to add spillers, make sure that the plants require the same amount of watering and of course bright light. Temperatures fluctuate in this area, so with that as the air begins to fall below 60 degrees, either cover them or bring them indoors where there is again lots of bright light, keeping them misted regularly. Feed with a water-soluble liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer, but allow them to rest during fall and winter seasons. Let me give you a tip, too much nitrogen will dull the dramatic color hues of the leaves.

Any questions, feel free to call me at 592-2522 or go online to the Jackson County Times website and click on the business card for Nobles’ Well-Watered Garden for other articles. Till next time, Grace and Peace be multiplied to you, Pamela.