Summer Blooming Bulbs
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Many people believe that the varieties of summer blooming bulbs are limited to dahlias
and gladiolus, but there are many beautiful varieties of summer blooming bulbs. Some of
these are quite fragrant and one variety actually climbs up to 6 ft. They all make excellent
cut flowers. Dahlias produce flowers as early as May and bloom quite often through
November (see Dahlia Care Sheet for specific care instructions). The tuberose, which blooms in
August, is considered one of the most fragrant flowers in the world.
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Light Shade Varieties
The following varieties will grow well in an area with very light shade or bright filtered light:
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Achimene Crinum Iris, Japanese
Babiana Eucomis Lilies
Begonia, tuberous Galtonia Nerine
Bletilla Gloriosa lily Savromatum guttatum
Caladium Gloxinia Sprekelia
Canna Hemerocallis (Daylily) Zantedeschia (CallaLily)
Childanthus Hippeastrum (Dutch Amaryllis) Zephyranthes
Container Varieties
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The following varieties do very well when planted in containers:
Caladium Liatris
Childanthus fragrans Lilies
Eucomis Nerine
Gloriosa lily Savromatum guttatum (Voodoo Lily)
Hippeastrum
All of the summer blooming bulbs are hardy and will grow well in the ground, especially
if they are planted in amended soil.
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Soil Preparation
Bulbs need a loose, fast draining soil. Amend existing soil with
Roger's Planting Mix to a depth of 1 foot. Mix in as much planting mix as necessary to create a light, well
drained soil.
In HEAVY CLAY SOILS, you will need to remove approximately
2/3 of all existing soil and replace it with
Roger's Planting Mix. Combine both thoroughly to a depth of
at least 1 foot. For lilies, add some peat moss to the planting mix.
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Fertilizing
Although bulbs contain their first season's food supply, using a bulb food before planting
will help the bulbs to root faster. Once soil is amended and you are ready to plant, mix 1
rounded tablespoon of Roger's Soil
Activator fertilizer into each square foot of planting area.
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Dusting Bulbs
Before planting, dust bulbs with
Cooke's Tomato Vegetable Dust. This contains a
fungicide, miticide and insecticide that can help reduce the potential for insect or disease damage.
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Bulb Planting Depth
Follow the bulb growers recommended planting depth for each different variety of bulb.
This will insure that you get the most from your bulb.
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Planting
Be sure that the bulb (or tuber, rhizome or corm) is right side up when planting. It may
be difficult to determine exactly which is the top and which is the bottom of the bulb. If
you examine the bulb closely, you may see part of last year's growth — the stem (top) or the
roots (bottom). When in doubt, check the planting chart in the bulb display tent, or ask a
nursery salesperson.
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Watering
Once the bulbs are planted, water slowly and thoroughly so that the water will reach
the depth where the bulbs are sitting. Then after the initial watering, give bulbs the
equivalent of one inch of water a week — like rainfall. Once foliage appears and bulbs begin to
get established, water deeply at least once a week.
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Second Fertilizing
After bulbs are established — showing a lot of foliage, but
before flowering — fertilize a second time with
Roger's Soil Activator. Lightly cultivate 1 rounded tablespoon into
the top 1/2 inch of the soil. Water thoroughly. This feeding will enhance blooming. A third
feeding can be given after blooming — but
before foliage fades. This food will be stored in the
bulb for next year's growth.
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After Bloom Care
It is VERY important to keep the leaves on the plant AFTER FLOWERING. At this
time, the leaves are taking in food to store for next year's growth.
When the plant has finished blooming, continue to water. When the foliage begins to
fade (turning yellowish, limp), slow down on watering and then stop completely. When
leaves appear brown and paper-like, they (along with the brown stems) can be cut off.
The bulbs will now be starting their rest period (dormant stage). At this point, you have
two choices if you want to have the bulbs bloom next year:
1. Allow bulbs to
naturalize. This means leaving them in the ground year after
year, allowing them to multiply naturally. When the bulbs begin their dormant stage, they
DO NOT want to be watered. The only exception is lilies — see the Lily Care Sheet.
2. Dig up and store the
bulbs. When bulbs begin their dormant stage, you can dig
them up and store them in a dark, cool, dry location in paper bags until the next year, then
follow general planting instructions once again.
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