Bursting With Color in the Worst of Heat

Planting bulbs will provide great color in the garden even during summer's worst heat. Summer bulbs provide a spectacular show of blooms when the spring show of roses and spring blooming bulbs have faded. They make great additions to summer flowering perennials. Most will bloom right up to first frost, giving fall blooming asters and chrysanthemums companionship as well.

Dahlias are a popular bulb choice that come in many shapes, sizes and colors. They are easily grown from tubers in pots or in the ground. Taller varieties will need staking because of their heavy blooms. Dahlias grow best in USDA zones 7-11 in well drained soil with a pH of 6-7 in full sun. Mix in fertilizer in spring because they are heavy feeders. For best results, dahlias should be planted when ground temperature is approximately 60 degrees. This planting time is generally in April and May. Lift the tubers in the fall after the first frost when the foliage has died back. Store them upside down until the stems have dried out and then turn them upright in loose peat moss or vermiculite in a frost free location for the remainder of their storage. They should provide gorgeous color for many seasons. They are excellent as cut flowers in vases also.

Lilies are another bulb that performs well in varying soil types and conditions. Most lilies tolerate a wide range of conditions well though. Ask your Southern States dealer which varieties will grow best in your garden. Always buy fresh lily bulbs and plant them immediately. From the classic orange tiger lilies to the popular scent laden Stargazer lilies, Southern States has varieties to suit any taste and budget. Make sure to stake the stems of lilies to prevent the weight of the flowers from snapping them.

Gladiolus corms can be purchased in mid to late spring and come in a rainbow of colors. Most bloom mid June to mid July. The flower spikes require staking to keep them upright. Gladiolus flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds. Plant the corms in well drained soil in early spring just below the surface of the soil. Lift them for storage in a cool frost free place (such as a cellar) in fall after the foliage has died back if you live north of Zone 7.