Q: How do I plant my bulbs to ensure a colorful display this spring?
A: Spring bulbs are excellent choices for a little additional color when the weather is still cool. The major group of spring bulbs includes daffodils, hyacinths and tulips. Other specialty bulbs include allium, crocus, galanthus, fritilarria and scillas.
Spring flowering bulbs should be planted in the fall once soil temperatures are below 60 degrees F. In our area, this generally occurs in late October-early November. Bulbs should be planted to a depth of five to eight inches, depending on bulb size.
Fertilization of bulbs at planting can increase their long-term performance. There are two types of fertilizer systems available for fertilizing bulbs in the fall.
The first system uses a single application of a sulfur coated slow release fertilizer. The second system uses bone meal incorporated in the rooting area at planting along with an application of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 fertilizer.
As a general rule, purchase bulbs that are firm and large. Larger bulbs produce more flowers in the spring. Thus, the earlier you buy the better the selection you have to choose from.
When purchased, bulbs should be stored at a temperature of about 50-65 degrees until planted. If the proper steps are taken, bulbs will produce a colorful showcase of flowers in the spring.
Other bulb facts include:
Small nicks and loose skins do not affect development of the bulb.
Well-drained soils are essential for spring flowering bulbs.
The pH of the planting area should be in the 6-7 range.
Bulbs should be planted 5-8 inches deep depending on size. Large bulbs are planted deeper than small bulbs.
Q: How do I properly care for my poinsettia?
A: Poinsettias are by far everyone’s favorite plant at Christmas. Poinsettias come in different colors, including red, pink, white, salmon and bicolors.
The colorful bracts of poinsettias are actually modified leaves. The yellow cyathia in the center of the bracts are the true flowers.
A healthy poinsettia begins with the purchase. Choose plants that have brightly colored bracts and dark green foliage. Avoid plants that have dropped leaves, wilted or have faded bracts. These symptoms indicate improper plant care before purchase that will shorten the length of enjoyment.
Poinsettias like soil that is moist, but not soggy. These plants do not like wet feet. Poinsettias do not tolerate drying our either. Soil that has been allowed to dry will result in premature leaf drop. Soil should be checked daily to ensure proper moisture.
Poinsettias should be kept in a room that is maintained at a constant daytime temperature of about 70-75 degrees. Temperatures above 75 degrees will cause bract fading and leaf drop. Bract coloration can be extended by lowering the night time temperature to 60-65 degrees.
Temperatures below 55 degrees will cause chilling injury. Poinsettias should not be placed in drafty locations, over heating vents, or on top of appliances that produce heat.
Poinsettias like well-lighted locations. Light maintains bract coloration and prevents premature leaf drop. Keep in mind that if the plant is placed in a sunny location, this will increase water demand. Extra care will need to be taken to make sure the plant doesn’t dry out.
Other poinsettia facts:
The poinsettia is a small tree and native to tropical areas of southern Mexico.
It was brought to the U.S. in 1825 by Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico.
Poinsettias are not poisonous, but ingesting them is not recommended.
The botanical name of poinsettia is Euphorbia pulcherrima.
For more gardening information, visit the Moore County Horticulture Web site at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/moore/staff/ehoneyc/EricH.html/).
Eric Honeycutt may be reached at 947-3188.
