Spring to Life

Container plants full of bulbs emerging with blossoms at different intervals of time will surely make a statement as the start of the gardening season approaches. What comes to mind when you think of plants that grow from bulbs? If you said, tulip, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths, then you’re correct. A true definition of a bulb is a seed which resembles an onion, with residual roots, a small stem portion, and lots of leaves packed closely together. Other plants, amaryllis, crinum, and rain lilies, are really stems, not bulbs. Definitions for corms, tubers, tuberous roots, and rhizomes as follows:
● Corms: Tight, compressed, flattened, stems. Gladiolus is a corm having a central bud with smaller buds around the stem.
● Tubers: Buds can be found on the stem of caladiums with a central bud and many smaller buds. Leatherlike tuber is the skin.
● Tuberous roots: Dahlias have swollen, fleshy, usually underground roots where buds develop into new plants such as the sweet potato at the stem end.
● Rhizomes: Thickened horizontal stems grow plants, (canna, calla lily and daylily) some from the surface of the soil, while others form slightly underground.
Now we’ve established names and types of bulbs. You can now choose any type of container from terra-cotta, wooden, plastic, to metal, making sure there is good drainage. Try stylish containers suited for your personality, such as a bucket, box, baskets or a vintage treasure. Soil composition is very important, so I suggest a good organic potting mixture to advance the growth with just the right amount of water.
Fertilizing Tips:
● Scatter the fertilizer over the surface of the soil.
● Keep the granules away from the foliage to prevent burns.
● It’s fine to start the feeding near the base of the bulbs, but do not allow it to accumulate next to the green stems.
● Water immediately after the feeding.
Manures and slow-release products can be substituted for general garden fertilizers.
Bonemeal can be used as part of the feeding, but it’s not a complete fertilizer product.
Look for creativity of container bulb planting next week! For other articles please go to www.jacksoncountytimes.net and click on my business card. Till next time, Grace and Peace be multiplied to you, Pamela.