11/9/2023 0 Comments Magic moment dahliaOne thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor.Īs perennials establish, it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally. Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant. Once you plant a perennial, it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance-free gardening. How-to : Pinching and Thinning Perennials If you have trouble with gophers or squirrels eating your bulbs, try sprinkling red pepper in the holes, covering the bulbs with chicken-wire, surround bulbs with sharp shards of gravel or other substance, or planting rodent-repelling bulbs like Fritillaria nearby. Plant bulbs in natural drifts rather that formal rows: bulbs can fail or be eaten, leaving holes in a formal arrangement, or will shift with freezing and thawing. This ensures that ground has been properly prepared and bulbs are evenly spaced. When planting a great number of bulbs, dig out an area to the specified depth, place bulbs and replace soil. Fill in with soil gently, making sure there are no rocks or clods that would impede the bulb's stem. If you have trouble telling which is the top, look for evidence of where a stem or roots were last year. The more pointed end is almost always the top. Work a little bone meal fertilizer into the bottom of your hole, and then place the bulb upright in the hole. Plant bulbs at a depth that is three times their height, and at least 1-1/2 bulb-widths apart. Besides, this is not something that is easily done later, once plants have been established. This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now, but will greatly pay off later. Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials. The more, the better work deep into the soil. No matter if your soil is sand or clay, it can be improved by adding the same thing: organic matter. If soil composition is weak, a layer of topsoil should be considered as well. Clear weeds and debris from planting areas and continue to remove weeds as soon as they come up.Ī week to 10 days before planting, add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage. Check soil drainage and correct drainage where standing water remains. This will help you determine which plants are best suited for your site. Use a soil testing kit to determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil before beginning any garden bed preparation. A 3 inch layer of mulch will help to maintain soil moisture and studies have shown that mulched plants grow faster than non-mulched plants. Amending your soil with compost will help improve texture and water holding or draining capacity. Most plants like about 1 inch of water per week. Soil is moist without being soggy because the texture of the soil allows excess moisture to drain away. Moist and well drained means exactly what it sounds like. Watering Conditions : Moist and Well Drained For organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, follow label directions as they may vary per product.įull Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day. Controlled, slow-release fertilizers are worked into the soil ususally only once during the growing season or per label directions. Water soluble fertilizers are generally used every two weeks during the growing season or per label instructions. organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers or 3. Plant Care Fertilizing How-to : Fertilization for Annuals and PerennialsĪnnuals and perennials may be fertilized using: 1.water-soluble, quick release fertilizers 2. Tolerances: deer, heat & humidity, rabbits,īloomtime Range: Early Summer to Early Fall Plant Category: bulbous plants, perennials,įlower Characteristics: long lasting, showy, unusual, Google Plant Images: click here! Characteristics Cultivar: Magic Moment Important Info : As with any perennial, good bed preparation pays off. Plant dahlia tubers once soil has warmed and there is little chance of frost. Bulbs must be lifted from the ground in zones 7 and lower. These semi-cactus flowers range from 6 to 8 inches in diameter. White, lavender-edged blooms have twisted, fringed ray florets. An old fashioned favorite and superb cut flower. Outstanding addition to the flower border or container garden. Vigorous, fast growing, available in numerous flower types.
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