Purchasing Bulbs, Corms and Roots
A better selection of bulbs, corms and roots is possible if purchased early in the spring. Purchasing packaged material makes shopping more convenient and the buyer is reasonably sure that the flowers will be true to their labels. The package, however, should allow the buyer to see the bulbs. Purchasing roots, bulbs and corms from bins allows the buyer to examine and select on an individual basis; however, with many buyers handling this material there is chance for mix-ups. Select only the largest firmest specimens from bins.
Soil Preparation
If the soil produced well the previous year, maintain productivity by applying 1 pound of nitrogen and 2 pounds of phosphoric acid or 20 pounds of 5-10-5 analysis fertilizer per 1,000 square feet.
Where compost is available, a 1 inch dressing over the ground prior to spading or roto-tilling is desirable. Ten bushels of well-rotted manure per 1,000 square feet may be applied, but compost fresh manure for one year or more before applying to the flower bed.
Culture
Amaryllis blossoms range in color from pure white through various shades of pink to deep red. They are intolerant of frost and do not do well in cool soil. Because of this, it is customary to pot the bulbs and grow them inside at a constant 65 degrees F, moving the pot outside in June, and taking it inside in the fall where it is stored in a dry condition until spring when it is again started indoors.
Caladiums (Caladia) are grown for their showy foliage which ranges from white to red with many beautiful leaf patterns in the tradition of coleus. They do best in shady or semi-shaded areas which are well supplied with humus and moisture. After frost, dig the bulbs and store in a cool place to replant in the spring.
Callas are available in colors ranging from white to yellow to pink, The flowers consist of a center spike (spathe) with a single petal (spadix) which is cut low on one side and is a characteristic feature of the species. They produce from roots planted in the spring and should be handled similarly to tuberous begonias.
Cannas range in color from ivory and yellow through rose and salmon to crimson and scarlet. The foliage is either green or bronze. Plant the roots 6 inches deep and 18 inches apart in late spring. After frost kills the foliage, dig and store the roots over winter much the same as dahlias.
Dahlias come in nearly every color except blue. The typical dahlia reaches a height of 6 feet and requires support, usually provided by a stake driven 12 inches into the ground and 6 inches behind the root at the time of planting. Dahlias do not tolerate frost and should not be planted if there is a chance that the shoots will frost.
The size of individual flowers may increase by removing the buds from the lateral branches; however, this practice decreases the overall showiness of the planting. After the stalks are killed by frost, remove them, leaving a 6 inch stub. The roots should remain in the ground for two weeks to thoroughly ripen before being dug. (A blind root has no eye and therefore cannot produce a shoot.) Dry the root enough to shake the soil from them, then pack in sawdust, perlite or vermiculite and store in a cool, dry place until spring.
Gladiolus are available in nearly every color. Plant the corms 3 inches deep and 6 inches apart in the spring after danger of freezing the shoots has passed. During the growing season, the original corm withers and a new one forms on top of it. The cutting of flowers does not inhibit the development of the new corm so long as leaves are not removed with the flower.
On the other hand, when seed is produced it is done at the expense of corm production. As soon as the tops die down, dig the corms. Remove the withered corms and tops and store the new corms in a frost-free location over winter. Avoid high temperatures and low humidity.
Lilies are available is several types and in colors ranging from white and yellow to deep red. While lilies are perennial, not all of them endure harsh winters. If unsure of the hardiness of a particular lily, dig a portion of the plants, pack the bulbs (roots and rhizomes) in sawdust, vermiculite or perlite, and store in a frost-free location during the winter. They may be replanted in the spring. The plants remaining in the garden should be mulched to help them through the winter. The general rule is to plant the bulb (storage organ) to a depth of three times its height.
Tuberous begonias are found in colors ranging from white through yellow and orange to deep red. Their flowers are primarily double. Plant the roots, which may be 1-1/2 inches in diameter, 4 inches deep in a semi-shaded area. They do best in a soil with a high organic matter content that is kept relatively moist. After frost, dig the root, pack in sawdust and store under cool but frost-free conditions for replanting in the spring.