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Summer Bulbs
Bursting With Color in the Worst
of Heat
Now is the time to plan and plant summer bulbs for great color
in the garden during summer's worst heat. Summer bulbs can provide
a spectacular show of blooms when the spring show of roses and spring
blooming bulbs has faded. They make great additions to summer flowering
perennials. Most will bloom right up to first frost, giving fall
blooming asters and chrysanthemums companionship as well.
Dahlias come in many shapes, sizes and colors. They are easily
grown from tubers in pots or in the ground. Taller varieties will
need staking because of the heavy blooms. Dahlias grow best in well
drained soil with a pH of 6-7 in full sun. Dig in plenty of compost
and manure in spring because they are heavy feeders. Lift the tubers
in the fall after the first frost when the foliage has died back.
Store them upside down until the stems have dried out and then store
them upright in loose peat moss or vermiculite in a frost free location.
They should provide you with gorgeous color for many seasons. They
are excellent as cut flowers in vases also.
There are many varieties of lilies that grow in varying soil types
and conditions. Most lilies tolerate a wide range of conditions
well though. Ask your Southern States dealer which varieties will
grow best in your garden. Always buy fresh lilly bulbs and plant
them immediately. From the classic orange tiger lilies Grandmother
grew to the popular scent laden Stargazer lilies, we have varieties
to suit any taste and budget. Make sure to stake the stems of lilies
to prevent the weight of the flowers from snapping them.
Gladiolus corms can be purchased in mid to late spring and come
in a rainbow of colors. Most bloom mid June to mid July. The flower
spikes require staking to keep them upright. Gladiolus flowers are
a favorite of hummingbirds. Plant the corms in well drained soil
in early spring just below the surface of the soil. Lift them for
storage in a cool frost free place (such as a cellar) in fall after
the foliage has died back if you live north of Zone 7.
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