Jolly Lane Greenhouse on Summer blooming bulbs

April 4, 2012 - PRLog -- RAPID CITY, S.D. - Now that spring has officially arrived it’s likely you are seeing your spring bulbs begin to flower. With that might come the planning and anticipation of your summer-flowering bulbs.

Bulbs are delicate and require warmer temperatures.  Once the outdoor temperature is consistently above 60 degrees and the soil has dried out from winter snow and rain it is time to get your summer bulbs in the ground.
It is important to plant your bulbs where they will receive at least 4 hours of sunlight per day.  A well-draining site is also important as bulbs are susceptible to rotting and molding if water cannot properly drain away.

“Before planting your bulbs, be sure to amend the soil with manure or compost; a 50/50 amendment to soil mix is just about right,” said Time Sime, owner of Jolly Lane Greenhouse in Rapid City.

This will provide your bulbs with the necessary nourishment to grow.
Check your bulb package, but as a rule of thumb, bulbs should be planted three times as deep as their diameter with the pointed end up.  Keep your bulbs well watered but allow them to dry out between watering periods. The area should be kept weed free as well.  Weeds will starve your bulbs of life-giving nutrients.

If the weather outside isn’t quite suitable for planting summer bulbs you can pot them indoors as early as two months before it’s time to put them outside.  You can just take the pots right outside or transplant them into your landscape.

Summer bulbs do not overwinter so pay close attention to design when adding them to your landscape.

“You’ll likely want to incorporate woody ornamentals and layer your bulbs to ensure color through August,” advised Sime.

Begonias, cannas, dahlias, elephant ears, gladiolas, and gloriosa lilies are among the season’s favorites.  Combining them in a well thought out design will offer depth, texture and a variety of color all summer long.

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About Jolly Lane Greenhouse
Jolly Lane Greenhouse is open all year, providing novice gardeners and experienced green thumbs alike with high-quality seasonal plants, trees, and herbs, seasonal decorations, and expert advice on landscape design and plant care. For more information about the Rapid City garden center, visit http://www.jollylane.com/greenhouse/.