Spring flowering tulips need to be planted now in November. Hopefully you already have the bulbs and if you don’t hurry up and get them as most companies that sell tulips require several weeks for delivery. If your tulip bulbs are purchased from a local gardening place, be sure to inspect them carefully. Make sure that bulbs are not dried out and free of mold. Tulip bulbs should be firm to the touch but not dried. Check for spots or anything that may indicate that the tulip bulbs are infected with fungus. Also, grab those bigger bulbs. The bigger the tulip bulbs are the bigger the flower you will get.

Most companies that sell tulip bulbs usually provide good information and advice for planting your tulip bulbs. But keep in mind that the planting depth for your area depends on where you live. A rule of thumb to follow is that if the ground where you live does not freeze for extended periods of time, you can plant your tulip bulbs about an inch shallower that the depth suggested by most companies. Get your tulip bulbs from a reputable company like Breck’s and you can’t go wrong if you follow their instructions. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

An important thing to remember before planting tulip bulbs is that you must have good fertile soil. If your soil is not good your bulbs, or any other plant for that matter, will not do well. Nutrient rich soil is the key to healthy plants that will give you gorgeous flowers in your flower garden. Read the instructions that are included when you purchase your tulip bulbs and find out what the best location is for planting your bulbs. Some tulip bulbs can be planted in areas of full sun while others like a shady area or maybe part sun.

Decide how you want your flower garden to look when the bulbs are in full bloom. Proper spacing is essential so just follow the instructions given by the company where you purchased your bulbs. If you want a really dramatic look, plant your tulip bulbs closer together in bunches and mixed colors. Your flower garden will surely be the envy of all your neighbors and the talk of the town! Again, in order to have healthy tulip flowers, you must plant good quality bulbs. So do buy from a reputable company like Breck’s. They have been in business for many years and the bulbs come from Holland which is known as the tulip capital of the world.

Technorati Tags: Flowering Bulbs, Perennials, spring bulbs, tulip bulbs

This unique plant produces a cluster of flowers at the top of a leafless stalk. The Alliums bulb is also known as an onion and members of the genus include vegetables such as onions, shallots, leeks and chives. It has been said that Alliums species are found in most regions of the world except the tropics, New Zealand and Australia. Don’t know why.

Alliums add beauty to your garden when in full bloom and the flowers can be dried for use as winter decorations. These are hardy perennials that have true bulbs, are easy to grow and require little care once the plant is established.

You can mix Alliums with other perennials around your garden for a gorgeous look. It will add lots of color and interesting shapes to your garden. Most Alliums are in full bloom during the spring and early summer so the time to plant the bulbs is now. Here are a few of my favorite Alliums.

Allium ‘Globemaster’ – Botanical name is the same
Wow! Globemaster has fluffy violet blooms as big as soccer balls that shoot up from 3 foot stalks. Early summer these huge stems are topped by gigantic violet-pink cluster of flowers that are 8 inches wide. It is a Dutch hybrid that blooms for up to 3 weeks and thrives in zones 4-8.

Allium Karataviense ‘Ivory Queen’ – Botanical name is the same
Considered a dwarf Allium because it only grows 6 to 9 inches high. Ivory Queen is ideal as a border plant. Masses of fragrant white globe like florets appear early summer and Ivory Queen will look gorgeous in front of taller perennial beds. You can also plant it in a container or a window box. It thrives in zones 4-8.

Allium Atropurpureum – Botanical name is the same
This is a unique Allium in that the colors deepen with age. Atropurpureum is an heirloom dating back to 1800 and it is considered one of the most dramatic members of the Allium family. It produces masses of outstretched stars in a round 2 inch flower head. Each white-red bloom has a round green center and tiny green pads on the tip of each petal. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and thrives in zones 4-9.

To your gardening success,
Diana

Technorati Tags: Alliums, alliums bulbs, Bulbs, dried flowers, Flowering Bulbs, fragrant flowers, hardy perennials, Lilies, Spring Blooming Bulbs

Did you know that 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.

The botanical name for Amaryllis is ‘Hippeastrum’ which is Greek and means ‘horseman’s star’. This specie of Amaryllis was chosen in 1837 by the honorable Reverend William Herbert who was Dean of Manchester at the time. Why he chose this name, no one really knows because Hippeastrum is native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Americas, Argentina, Mexico and the Caribbean.

When purchasing Amaryllis bulbs, make sure that they are firm to the touch and have a thin brown outer layers similar to an onion. Never buy bulbs that are soft or look sick or have green mold on them. To plant your Amaryllis indoors, do the following:

1. Select your bulb
2. Buy a pot or container slightly larger than the bulb
3. Fill the pot half way with potting soil
4. Place the bulb on top of the soil making sure that the top of it is exposed
5. Add more soil around the sides of the pot
6. Water so that the soil is moist but not too wet
7. Place the pot in a bright area but not in direct sun
8. Turn the pot every few days to get even light
9. Within a few weeks, a thick flower stalk should shoot up

It really is that easy to plant Amaryllis indoors and have beautiful flowers during the winter months. Here are a few of my favorites.

Amaryllis Pizzazz – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Pizzazz

Here is a beautiful Amaryllis that has huge 6-inch striped blooms with ruffled edges and starry white centers. The flowers are bright cherry red, white striping and the petals are ruffled in pure white. Truly gorgeous! The blooms are held by a sturdy 15 inch stems. Pizzazz blooms in 36 days after planting and produces 4-7 large blooms per plant and thrives in zones 8-11.

Amaryllis Snow White – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Snow White

Snow white surely fits this beautiful Amaryllis. It has huge pure white frilly blooms on 12 inch stems. The blooms reach 8 inches across and you can expect 4-7 blooms that will add beauty to your home during the winter months. Snow white blooms in 32 days after planting and thrives in zones 8-11.

Amaryllis Razzle Dazzle – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Razzle Dazzle

This Amaryllis is sometimes called candy cane because of its pin striping. It has 7 inch stripped flowers and the bulb produces up to 9 blooms per plant. Razzle Dazzle blooms 37 days after planting and thrives in zones 8-11.

Amaryllis Little Angel – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Little Angel

Little Angel produces gorgeous pure white 3 inch blooms with soft green center. This Amaryllis is ready to bloom in just 28 days after planting and thrives in zones 8-11.

To your gardening success,
Diana

Technorati Tags: Amaryllis, Flowering Bulbs, gardening indoors, planting guide, winter blooming bulbs