               SUMMER FLOWERING BULBS IN THE HOME LANDSCAPE

The addition of summer flowering bulbs to the home landscape adds not only 
beauty but interest. These plants have a particular form as well as brilliant, 
clear colors. They are easy to grow and can be saved and planted year after 
year. They can be planted directly in beds or may be grown in containers. A 
wide choice is possible in the kinds of summer bulbs available. 

  Tuberous begonias:  
available in beautiful red, pink, orange, salmon, yellow or white flowers 
attaining a size of 12 to 14 inches in diameter. The tubers can be planted in 
flats or pots in March or April to get a faster start, or they can be planted 
directly in the garden about mid-May. 

If starting them early, use shallow flats or pots that have been filled  with 
coarse peat moss. Press the tuber into the peat moss 3 to 4 inches apart with 
the concave side up. Place the flats or pots in a dark room such as the 
basement at 65 deg. to 70 deg.F. As the pink shoots start to develop, add more 
peat moss so it covers the tubers and move them to a sunny window. Keep the 
peat moss moist, but do not overwater the tubers as they rot easily. Fertilize 
the young plants with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks according to the 
rate on the container. 

About the middle of May, plants as well as unsprouted tubers can be planted in 
the garden. Select an area that is well drained and partially shaded. Set the 
tubers in the ground so they are just covered and no deeper as they are 
subject to rotting. To allow for plenty of growing space and air circulation, 
set the tubers or plants 18 to 24 inches apart. It may be necessary to stake 
the young plants as many of the larger growing cultivars (varieties) become 
top heavy bloom. 

Apply a fertilizer such as 4-16-16, 5-10-5, 5-10-10 or 5-20.20 at the rate of 
3 to 4 pounds per 100 square feet at monthly intervals. Water when the soil 
starts to dry, preferably in the morning or early afternoon. This allows the 
foliage and flowers to dry before nightfall and reduces chances of disease. 

After the frost has killed the foliage, the tubers must be dug, the foliage 
removed and tubers dried for a few days. Store in peat moss or sawdust in 
boxes or other containers but not plastic bags. Place in a storage space that 
is dry and where the temperature is maintained around 50 F. Do not allow the 
tubers to freeze. 

Canna: commonly used years ago where a tall plant with bright red color was
needed. This plant had luxurious green foliage to support the flower. The 
plant seemed to diminish in popularity but has begun a revival due to new 
cultivars that offer not only red flowers but pink, orange, yellow and cream. 
Some even have red or bronze foliage. Some cultivars are tall, reaching a 
height of 7 to 8 feet, while others are a maximum of 18 inches. 

The rhizomes (underground stems) may be started early, such as with begonias, or
they can be planted directly in the garden. Usually they are planted directly in
the garden about the middle of May. Select a spot that is well drained and 
receives full sunlight. The rhizomes should be planted a couple of inches 
below the surface and 18 to 24 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting 
and begin fertilizing as soon as the shoots come through the ground. Use a dry 
complete fertilizer such as 4-16-16, 5-10-5, 5-10-10 or 5-20-20 at the rate of 
3 to 4 pounds per 100 square feet. Apply once a month during the growing 
season and water thoroughly after application. Water the plants when the soil 
begins to dry and stake if necessary. 

Once the foliage has been killed by frost, the dead tops should be removed and 
the rhizomes dug. Be careful not to damage them. Remove the soil and let the 
rhizomes lie on the garage or basement floor for a few days to dry. Then store 
them in dry peat moss or sawdust in boxes, bushel baskets or gunny sacks. 
Select a spot in the basement or where they will be dry and can be kept at 45 
to 50 F. Do not allow them to freeze. 

Gladiolus: grown for their magnificent flowers, which come in all colors. There
are large flower types as well as small. They can be used as background plants 
in the garden or as cut flowers for inside the home. If care is given to a 
planting schedule, flowers can be available from early summer until frost. 
Therefore, it is advisable to separate the corms into various planting dates 
so flowering can be spread out. 

The first corms can be planted as early as May 1. Set the corms 4 to 5 inches 
deep and 5 to 6 inches apart. If they are grown in rows, allow 36 inches 
between the rows. In two wee%s, plant the next group of corms and continue 
this procedure until the last of July. By so planting, flowers will be 
available almost anytime during the summer. As soon as the plants are 6 to 8 
inches tall, apply a complete dry fertilizer such as 4-16-16, 5-10-5, 5-10-10 
or 5-20-20 at the rate of 3 to 4 pounds per 100 square feet. This is the only 
fertilizer that will be needed during the growing season. Water the plants 
thoroughly when the soil starts to get dry. 

After the foliage has dried in late summer or autumn, dig the corms, remove 
the soil and snap off the dead tops. The old corm or "mummy"may also be 
removed at this time if still present. Spread the corms out on the garage or 
basement floor and allow to dry for three or four days. Place the corms in 
boxes with dry peat moss or sawdust. If a large number of corms are involved, 
make some boxes that are 3 to 4 inches deep with bottoms made of hardware 
cloth. Store the corms in a dry, cool place at a temperature of 35 to 40"F. 
Check them periodically during the winter for signs of rotting or rodents. 

Prepared by: James L. Caldwell

  Extension Horticulturist
  The Ohio State University

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Another text file from STONEHENGE BBS  [415] 479-8328
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