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Imagine a vibrant garden bursting with color as soon as the first signs of spring appear. The secret to this breathtaking display lies in the simple act of planting bulbs in the fall. Unlike other regions, our desert climate requires a slightly different approach to cultivating these floral treasures. Let’s explore the art of fall bulb planting and discover how to create a stunning spring spectacle in your garden
Timing is Everything:
Purchase Bulbs Early: Time is of the essence when selecting your bulbs. For the best variety and quality, purchase your bulbs early in the fall season, September and October. Look for plump, firm bulbs without signs of damage or withering. Remember, the earlier you buy, the better your selection.
Planting Window: Avoid planting too early, as premature blooming can damage flowers in unpredictable winter weather. Aim to plant after Thanksgiving for optimal results.
Bulb Storage: If you purchase bulbs early, store them in a cool, dry place (like your refrigerator) until planting time.
Preparing Your Garden:
Soil Enrichment: Incorporate organic matter like Dr Q’s Paydirt Planting Mix into your soil to improve drainage and provide essential nutrients.
Fertilization: Add a light application of Dr. Q’s Gold Dust Starter Fertilizer to the bottom of the planting hole to encourage strong root development.
Planting Depth: Follow the general rule of planting bulbs three times their height deep. For example, plant 6-inch tulips about 18 inches deep.
Spacing: Plant bulbs according to package directions or create a naturalized look by scattering them randomly.
Watering: Water bulbs thoroughly after planting to establish a strong root system.
Post-Planting Care:
Mulching: Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture in the summer, protect bulbs from freezing temperatures, and suppress weeds.
Patience: Allow bulbs to establish a strong root system before the first frost.
Caring for Bulbs After Bloom:
Withholding Water: Once the foliage has completely died back, stop watering to encourage bulb rejuvenation.
Fertilizing: Apply a light application of Dr. Q’s Rose & Flower Food in the fall to support next year’s blooms.
Desert-Friendly Bulbs: Blooming Beauty in Arid Climates
Transform your garden into a vibrant oasis with the beauty of flowering bulbs. These resilient plants thrive in our arid climate, offering a stunning display of color with minimal effort.
Anemone: Delicate Beauty for Spring
Anemones offer a charming addition to your garden with their delicate, poppy-like blooms in a range of colors, are members of the buttercup family, and are closely related to Ranunculus. These tuberous plants thrive in well-drained soil and require a short period of chilling before planting. For optimal results, soak the tubers overnight before planting and position them on their side if unsure of the top.
Bearded Iris: Regal Elegance
Known for their large, showy blooms in a vast array of colors, Bearded Irises are a true garden statement. Best varieties are available at the Iris Society sale conducted at select Star Nursery location(s) in July. Store in the house in a paper bag and plant in September. Plant with the top of the rhizome or “foot” exposed. To maintain their vigor, divide and replant clumps every few years. These majestic plants add a touch of elegance to any garden space.
Daffodil: Timeless Charm
Daffodils are beloved for their cheerful, trumpet-shaped flowers that herald the arrival of spring. With a range of shades of yellow, white, gold, orange, pink or combinations of these colors. These bulbs offer versatility in garden design. Enjoy their naturalizing ability as they multiply over time, creating a stunning springtime display. Dig, divide and replant every 3 years or so.
Dahlia: Summertime Splendor
Dwarf varieties take our hot, dry winds better than tall or “dinner plate” sizes. Flowers show many forms and colors including double and cactus-flowered varieties. Tubers are stored in the ground in our climate. Dig and divide clumps when they get congested. Leave part of the old stem with each division. While they prefer warmer climates, proper care and protection can ensure their survival through winter.
Dutch Iris: Elegant Simplicity
Small bulbs produce flowers in shades or yellow, blue, lavender, white, violet-purple or a combination of colors. They store well in the ground. Withhold water after the foliage dies. Resume again in early spring.
Gladiolus: Towering Beauty
Because of their height and slender form, gladiolas are best grown in clumps rather than rows. They provide an excellent background for other flowers and occur in every color but true blue. Variegated varieties are especially striking. Because of their 5 to 6 foot height, plant in sheltered areas or stake to prevent wind damage. Bulbs store well in the ground. Dig and divide every 2 or 3 years; re-plant in spring.
Hyacinth: Sweet Fragrance and Vibrant Color
Hyacinths are renowned for their intoxicating fragrance and vibrant colors in shades of purple, pink, red and white. Excellent in containers; great bulb for forcing. Water regularly during growing and blooming period. Stores well in the ground.
Narcissus:
Classic bulb for the garden or indoor forcing. Newer hybrid varieties provide nice color contrasts to the traditional Paperwhite. Blooms early in our climate.
Ranunculus: Persian Gem
Ranunculus, or Persian Buttercup, boasts stunning, multi-petaled blooms in a rainbow of colors. Claw-like, tuberous root explodes with vibrant colors in spring! Perfect for mild winter, dry summer climates. Plant with root tips down; withhold water after foliage dies.
Tulips: Timeless Elegance
Tulips are iconic spring blooms, offering a vast array of colors, shapes, and sizes. These bulbs need a good winter chill to produce the best flowers. Our climate is usually too mild to satisfy this requirement so it’s important to store tulips in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for 6-8 weeks before planting. They are also excellent choices for indoor forcing. Dig, clean and refrigerate the bulbs each fall, or treat them as annuals and plant new ones. With hundreds of choices, it’s a good way to rotate your color scheme!
By carefully selecting and planting these bulbous beauties, you can create a breathtaking floral tapestry that will transform your garden into a springtime paradise.
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