Dec 082009
 

Let’s face it, we all have people in our lives that are impossible to buy for. With Christmas right around the corner, if you have someone that you just can’t find that perfect gift for, give them some flowering bulbs. This is a gift that they will have for years to come as bulbs do come back every year and they will always remember you with fond memories.

Christmas is a time for giving and now you can order some bulbs at incredible prices. For example, Breck’s which is a very reputable bulb company is offering 25% discount on selected bulbs for Christmas. They have lots of bulbs to choose from in their Holiday Collection but you have to hurry and order by December 15th to lock in your savings.

These bulbs come from Holland and Breck’s uses the most efficient way to ship them to you via US Parcel Service or United Parcel Service. They guarantee that all of their holiday gift items ordered before December 15th will be delivered by Christmas Eve. So hurry and get your order in for all those special people on your list. Here are a few of the bulbs in their collection.

Twinkle Twinkle Holiday Star Amaryllis
This gorgeous red amaryllis is known as the Star of Holland because of its dramatic white star in the center of each bloom. Amaryllis is truly a traditional symbol of the holiday season and you can expect to get 6-8 flowers that measure 8″ across from 1-bulb planter.

Sleigh Bell Daffodil
Daffodils are an old time favorite of many people and very easy to grow. Sleigh Bell Daffodil produces multiple blooms per stem of beautiful soft yellow flowers that are accented by a darker cup. It has very sturdy stems that grow up to 10″ tall. In this collection, you will get 3 potted bulbs in a 4″ pot that comes wrapped in green foil and produces 18-21 blooms. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

Christmas Charm Hyacinth
This is another old time favorite and heavenly fragrant. Christmas Charm Hyacinth produces hundreds of tiny florets and one stem is enough to perfume a whole room. It has strong stems and lavender bell flowers with white markings and you can get 3 potted bulbs in a 6″ pot wrapped in green foil. These bulbs are already sprouted so you can have flowers in just a few weeks.

Go ahead and get your order in to arrive just in time for the holidays. You will have peace of mind knowing that you’ve purchased your bulbs from a very reputable company like Breck’s.


Here are some other flower gardening sites that I found for you to browse. Thanks for visiting Best Flower Gardening!

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Oct 032009
 

There are many varieties of bulbs available in the market today but not all are shipped within the same timeframe. For example, spring flowering bulbs are shipped in the fall because they need a cold period during the winter to begin their growth cycle. Summer flowering bulbs are shipped in the spring. The fall is upon us, the time to plant your spring blooming bulbs is now. Listed below are some the most common flowering bulbs that are shipped during the fall season.

Tulips

Tulips are very easy to grow. Perennial tulips are preferred over hybrids because these come back faithfully year after year. To ensure the highest level of performance from perennial tulips, plant the bulbs in well drained soil. This will help prevent disease and fungus directly on the bulbs. Be sure the bulbs are planted deep. If you measure from the base of the bulb, plant them about 6 inches deep. It is recommended that you water them after planting. This will ensure that the bulbs develop strong root system before going into their winter dormancy.

Daffodils

An old time favorite, daffodils bloom forever. It has been said that daffodils can bloom for up to 30 or even 50 years. That is awesome! To grow gorgeous daffodils, plant them in an area where the grass can be left un-mown until the foliage has matured. This area should be sunny and with good drainage. For a dramatic look, plant drifts of the same kind and the same color. You can do this by taking a handful of bulbs and throwing them about for a natural feeling distribution and just dig where the bulbs land.

Hyacinths

History tells us that Dutch bulb growers have cultivated hyacinths since the 17th century and more than 2,000 varieties were available by 1838. The unique upright shape of the flower spike and gorgeous colors made hyacinths a favorite for Victorian gardens. These are a member of the lily family and the only connection might be that hyacinths are tubular and very fragrant. For a dramatic look in your spring garden, plant an entire bed of the same hyacinth variety and color. Hyacinths return year after year adding beauty to a garden.

Lilies

Lilies are very easy to grow and those that ship in the fall are in the perennial family which means that they come back every year and require very little care. Lilies have beautiful robust flowers and you can get them in a wide array of colors, different shapes and sizes. If I was to describe lilies, I would say that the flowers are clump-forming with fibrous or tuberous roots. Lilies are also excellent as cut flowers and a favorite of most florists.

Crocus

Crocus usually blooms very early in the spring. It is amazing to see these beauties pop up in February from a mound of snow. Their timing is perfect and bloom well before any grass starts to grow. By the time the grass is ready to be mowed, the crocus are finished for the season. For an impressive look, plant them in masses. Choose a sunny area in the garden or even a lawn and plant large drifts using groupings of 30 bulbs spaced about 4 inches apart. According to many gardeners, crocus will thrive and bloom for 20 years or more and require very little care.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a beautiful flower that resembles a lily and usually thrives in the South but can be planted indoors in containers in colder regions. They come in many varieties and colors. Amaryllis flowers are very popular and favored by lots of gardeners because it blooms indoor in the winter months. Also, Amaryllis can be forced to bloom in about six weeks after planting. Yes, you can plant Amaryllis bulbs in a container indoors and force them to bloom in late winter by inducing a dormant period. Since Amaryllis stalks are quite heavy when it blooms, make sure the container you use is large enough so it will not tip over. Once the plant is established indoors, you can move them outdoors or even plant them in your garden when the danger of frost is past.

There are many bulbs that need to be planted now for spring flowering and the ones listed above are just some of the most popular. If you haven’t purchased bulbs yet, get to the local garden center and get them as soon as possible. Better yet, order them online from a reputable company like Breck’s for the best quality.

To get great tips and ideas on fall bulb planting check out an article from our friends over at The Gardeners Rake site.


Here are some other flower gardening sites that I found for you to browse. Thanks for visiting Best Flower Gardening!

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Sep 242009
 

It is not too early to start planning your bulb planting for spring flowers. If you live in the north region, your planting time should be between September and October. If you live further south, you can wait until the end of October or November to plant bulbs. Hopefully, you already have the bulbs as most companies require at least a month for delivery. If you have them now and it is too early to plant, just be sure to keep them dry and in a cool place.

If you buy bulbs from a local gardening place, there are some things to look for when selecting them. Make sure that bulbs are firm but not dried out and free of mold, spots and anything that resembles fungus. Another thing to remember is that the bigger the bulb, the bigger the flower will be and a double bulb normally means that you will get two plants.

The companies that sell bulbs usually offer good information and advice about planting, storing, nurturing and propagating bulbs. However, the planting depth for your area really depends on where you live. For example, if the ground where you live does not freeze to any significant depth or for extended periods of time, you can plant bulbs about an inch shallower than the depth suggested by companies.

There are a few things that are a must before planting bulbs and at the top of the list is the soil. Unless you have good soil, your bulbs or other plants will not do well. Rich soil is the key to healthy plants and beautiful flowers. So be sure to prepare the soil by following the directions given with your purchase. Also be sure to note the best location to plant the bulbs. Some bulbs should be planted where there is full sun while others require a shady area or part sun.

Next decide how you want your garden to look when the bulbs are in full bloom. Spacing them is the key and you can follow recommendations given by the company where you bought them from or you can plant them closer together for a very beautiful and dramatic look. If in doubt, buy bulbs from a reputable company like Breck’s that has been bringing us quality bulbs from Holland since 1818. You will get all the advice you need from this company as well as top quality bulbs.


Here are some other flower gardening sites that I found for you to browse. Thanks for visiting Best Flower Gardening!

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Oct 182008
 

I have written before about the beauty of Amaryllis and some of the history behind this gorgeous flower, but I came across some new bulbs for the fall season and wanted to give you that information.

As stated before, Amaryllis is a winter bulb that you can plant at home in the fall and have beautiful flowers during the gloomy winter months. It is real easy to plant the bulbs and any container will do. But, if you want to impress your family and friends, do buy a nice container to display the stunning Amaryllis flowers.

Here are some new Amaryllis bulbs this year.

Amaryllis Alfresco – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Alfresco
Wow! This Amaryllis blooms in only 30 days from planting. It is considered one of the most beautiful white Amaryllis in the market. I am sure you will agree when you see the picture below. It has large 6-inch blooms with a soft chartreuse center. The blooms are borne on strong 14-inch stems and last for several days. The plant produces 5-8 large blooms.

 

Amaryllis Amico – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Amico
Here is an Amaryllis that produces up to 12 blooms per bulb. Awesome! This Amaryllis is considered a miniature because the stems are just 12 inches tall but you can expect at least 12 4-inch blooms from each bulb. The blooms displays bold white stripes that begin at the throat of the flower lining the center of each red petal somehow fading as they reach the petal tips. For a gorgeous look, plant multiple bulbs in the same container and 26 days later you will have beautiful flowers in your home.

 

Amaryllis Jade Serpent – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Jade Serpent
This unusual miniature Amaryllis produces up to 8 soft green blooms in just 34 days from planting. This Amaryllis looks very different than most traditional ones in that it is a rarely seen color for Amaryllis. Jade Serpent offers 3-inch blooms on stems that are only 10 inches tall and produces up to 8 blooms per plant.

 

Amaryllis Molto Bello – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Molto Bello
This is a truly elegant Amaryllis as it displays beautiful white blooms which are perfect for any occasion. Molto Bello is considered a miniature Amaryllis as the flowers measure 3 inches across and the stem is only 10 inches tall. The pure white flowers have curving petals and a soft green center. For a stunning look, plant a Molto Bello bulb and pair it with an Amico bulb and you will get red and white contrast. Wow!

 

Enjoy,
Diana


Here are some other flower gardening sites that I found for you to browse. Thanks for visiting Best Flower Gardening!

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