Planting Flower and Bulbs
Choosing the Proper Plants · Digging the Hole · Plant Care · Bulbs and Flowers
Roses, Azaleas, Rhododendrons · Strawberries, Berries and Grapes
Planting Perennials
Plants have been divided into 4 categories. Explanations for each category are listed below.
The soil should be well worked in specially prepared beds 2 to 2-1/2 feet deep with good drainage. Plant food and plenty of humus are necessary ingredients for successful perennial flower growing. Most perennials respond best when planted in a sunny location.
The average planting distance for perennials is 1 foot apart. Vigorous growers like peonies and mallows require as much as 3 feet.
- Number 1 plants such as Iris should be planted with the roots just above the surface of the ground and the rhizome just on the surface.
- Number 2 plants such as Peonies should be planted with the tips of the buds just below the surface of the ground - about 1 inch. Peonies will not bloom well if planted too deeply or if deprived of plant food.
- Number 3 plants with leaves that spring from the crown should be planted with the crown just above the dirt line.
- Number 4 plants with a fleshy root such as hollyhocks should be planted with the tap root straight down and the bud just below the surface of the dirt.
In all planting:
- Spread the roots out naturally and do not crowd them.
- Bring the soil in contact with all roots and press it down firmly. Water thoroughly.
Most winter damage to herbaceous perennials is caused by alternate freezing and thawing of the soil. A mulch of salt hay, straw or leaves applied to the ground AFTER it is frozen will prevent injury to most perennials. Plants which maintain a crown of green leaves through the winter, such as Shasta Daisies, will need special protection in the way of a mulch that will NOT pack down and cause the leaves to rot. Some plants such as Chrysanthemums, will benefit from a mulch of sand.
Many perennials grow rapidly and need to be divided every 2 - 3 seasons. Large clumps produce mediocre blooms because the inside roots are starved and crowded. Perennials may be divided and reset in the early fall or spring.
Planting Fall Bulbs for Spring Flowers
Bulbs which bloom in the spring such as Tulips, Narcissi and Hyacinths must be planted in the fall. Narcissi and the small bulbs like crocus must be planted in early fall - September. Tulips and Lilies may be planted late - as long as the ground is workable. The bulbs should be planted in specially prepared beds with good natural drainage. The best soil for growing bulbs is fibrous loam well supplied with sharp sand and bone meal. See the depth and spacing chart below.
Tulips should be planted one inch deeper then indicated if the soil is not too heavy and there location is permanent. Deep planting will prolong the effective life of the Tulip bulb. Narcissus may be planted in grassy areas or woodlands. Allow the foliage to yellow before cutting back.
The most desirable soil for Lilies is a well draining, loose sandy loam which should be enriched with a top layer of manure. Plant Lilies 4 - 6 inches deep for base rooting types and 5 - 8 inches for stem rooting types. Tip the bulbs slightly to their sides and surround with a few handfuls of sand to assure sharp drainage around the bulb. Lilies may be left in the ground from year to year.
Planting Depth and Spacing for Spring Flowering Bulbs
- 2" Below ground level - Anemone, 6" apart
- 3" Below ground Level - Bulbous Iris, 4" apart | Chionodoxa, 3" apart | Crocus, 3" apart | Snowdrop, 3" apart
- 4" Below ground level - Grape Hyacinth, 3" apart | Tulip, 6" apart
- 5" Below ground level - Hyacinth, 6" apart
- 6" Below ground level - Narcissus, 12" apart
- 7" Below ground level - Lilly, 12" apart
Planting Summer Flowering Bulbs and Tubers
Most summer flowering bulbs are warm weather plants, care should be taken NOT to plant them too early in the season. Cannas, Tuberous Begonias and Dahlias may be started in flats indoors and set out after the danger of frost has passed. Tritomas should be planted in early spring. Gladioli may be planted at 10 day intervals for a succession of blooms - allow 70 - 90 days for maturity
Planting Depth for Summer Flowering Bulbs & Tubers
- Ground Level - Ismene | Tuberous Begonia
- 1" Below ground level - Fairy Lily
- 2" Below ground level - Gladiolus | Ranunculus | Tigridia
- 3" Below ground level - Galtonia | Monbretia | Tuberose
- 5" Below ground level - Canna | Dahlia
Choosing the Proper Plants · Digging the Hole · Plant Care · Bulbs and Flowers
Roses, Azaleas, Rhododendrons · Strawberries, Berries and Grapes