 Tips
for Melbourne the month of April
Tips...
April is when you can divide clumps of bulbs, but only do
this if they have less flowers through overcrowding or are
diseased. Gently lift and break apart. Only plant the healthy
ones.
Whether in pots or the ground, you can extend the interest
time by mixing varieties, eg. Daffodils and spring starflower
(Ipheion uniflorum)
Group your bulbs so the early flowering bulbs are together,
mid season are together, and the late ones are together. Some
early ones are anemones, Dutch crocus, miniature and early
daffodils, grape hyacinths, lachenalias and starflowers. Some
mid season ones are bluebells, most daffodils, freesias, ranunculi,
and spraxias. Some late ones are Dutch iris, Monet tulips,
anemones and ranunculi. Some very late ones are alliums, bearded
iris, cottage gladioli, Siberian irises, and watsonias.
For pots follow planting depths as if growing in the ground.
For a mixed pot, plant say, daffodils or tulips first, then
sprinkle some potting mix on top, then add some smaller bulbs
such as anemones. With tulips place the flat side towards
the side of the pot so the first leaf will grow over the pot
rim. Do not plant the smaller bulbs directly on top of the
larger bulb, but a little bit to the side. Top up the pot
with potting mix. Place in a cool place, lightly water, and
wait until the leaves show and then move into direct light
and start watering. Enjoy the unfolding magical show.
After the leaves have died down and before the bulbs shoot
next year plant the bulbs in the ground, to have your pots
ready for next years new bulbs.
When you visualise your plantings, think not only of your
flowering sequence, but the colour combinations. You can mix
bulbs with annuals such as pansies, lobelia, alyssum, or perennials
such as forget-me-nots.
What to sow or plant...
Flowers:
ageratum, alyssum, aquilegia, bellis perennis, calendula,
cineria, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, everlastings,
foxglove, hollyhock, helichrysum, linaria, lobelia, marigold,
nemesia, pansy, polyanthus, poppy, primula, snapdragon,
statice, stock, sweet pea, viola, Virginia stock, wallflower
Vegetables:
beetroot, broad beans, cabbage, carrots, celery seedlings,
endive, English spinach, kohlrabi, lettuce, onions, pak
choy (seed), sugar snap peas (seed), potatoes, radish, rhubarb
Bulbs
Planting bulbs can be so rewarding, even if it is a few
hyacinths in a pot on the windowsill. Hyacinths can even
grow with their roots in water for one seasons’ flowering.
(Then discard the bulb.)
Here are some tips for growing them outside:
- Prepare soil (see last month)
- Pick bulbs suited to your conditions, especially if you
want them to flower in subsequent years.
For instance, remember that tulips need 6 weeks of cold
to initiate flowering.
- Select good quality large and clean bulbs
- Plant with the pointy end up, except for ranunculus and
anemones
- Fertilise after flowering
- Let the foliage die down naturally, as this is when the
energy for next years flower is made.
Jobs to do...
- Divide perennials that flowered in summer, eg. Shasta
daisy, phlox, once they are dying down.
- Remove summer vegies and annuals that are finished. If
they are diseased or have insects then wrap up and discard
into the rubbish. Do not place in the compost, as you don’t
want to spread it to future crops.
- It is a good time to plant or repair a lawn. It can be
fed just before rain. If the water runs off the hard dry
ground, then use our soak and feed.
- Select autumnal foliaged plants now, to get the colour
you want.
- Plant citrus and evergreen shrubs now, as the weather
is getting cooler but the soil is still warm enough for
the roots to grow before the winter cold. Plant, stake if
necessary, and water with a seaweed fertiliser according
to package directions, to promote root growth.
|
