Tag: Flowers

Spring Flowering Bulbs

The best time to fertilize spring-flowering bulbs is when foliage emerges in the spring rather than at flowering. Traditionally, gardeners have applied fertilizer during bloom or a bit after, but because bulb roots start to die at flowering, fertilizer applied at bloom is wasted.

Roots are active when the foliage first pokes through the ground. Nutrients applied then help the plant produce flowers the following year. If bulbs have been fertilized in the past, there is often plenty of phosphorus and potassium in the soil. It is best to take a soil test to be certain.

If the soil needs phosphorus and potassium, use a complete fertilizer (such as 10-10-10, 9-9-6, etc.) at the rate of 2.5 lbs. per 100 square feet. This would equal 1 rounded teaspoon per square foot. If phosphorus and potassium are not needed, blood meal makes an excellent fertilizer. It should be applied at the rate of 2 lbs. per 100 square feet or 1 teaspoon per square foot. Lawn fertilizers such as a 27-3-3 or 30-3-3 can be used, but cut the rate to a third of that applied for blood meal. Also make sure the lawn fertilizer does not contain a weed preventer or weed killer. Remember to leave the foliage until it dies naturally. The energy in the foliage is transferred to the bulb as the foliage dies and will help the bloom for the next year.

By: Cassie Thiessen

Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs in the Fall

If you want beautiful, colorful tulips in the spring, now is the time to plant the bulbs! Spring flowering bulbs are often one of the first signs of spring in the landscape and a wonderful addition to any flower bed.

Planting bulbs can occur any time in the fall but should wrap up by mid to late November. Earlier in the fall is best, as it allows more time for root development. Fertilize when planting using a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10.

Plant bulbs where they will receive full sun. Bulbs should be planted about twice as deep as the height of the bulb. 4-6 inches is a good depth for tulips. Make sure that the soil will drain well, as bulbs are prone to rotting.

Put a little extra effort into your flower beds now to have a beautiful show of color in the spring. For more information on spring flowering bulbs check out this K-State Garden Hour: https://mediasite.k-state.edu/mediasite/Play/bb82330923124f468402d0492fd79c7d1d

By: Cassie Thiessen

Holiday Horticulture K-State Garden Hour

Do you want to get the most out of your Holiday Plants this year? This webinar explains how to pick the best poinsettia, how to keep your Christmas Cactus alive, and how to care for fun plants like amaryllis. Find the recording here:

 

https://mediasite.k-state.edu/mediasite/Play/76aced5bf3584023be568b58fb9923971d

By: Cassie Homan

Grow Beautiful Fall Mums

Nature always gives us signals as seasons change. When summer starts to shift toward fall, the leaves begin to change colors. Another sure sign that fall is right around the corner is the arrival of colorful and beautiful fall mums in garden centers.

Now is the time to plan how and where to use these plants effectively around your home and landscape. A newer trend for growers is to mix colors in containers, so be ready for even more decisions.

Watch this video for information on how to get your mums to last through the winter:

By: Cassie Homan