About Long Island Gardener Expertise Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.
Experience Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.
Question I ordered some Red Poker plants (torch lilies) from Gurneys and expected bulbs. Instead I have what looks like little pieces of grass. I am wondering how I should plant these as well as when/where? I live in western Washington state (NW. Should I plant these in pots and keep them inside until Spring, or would it be okay to plant them outside now in a flower bed? I don't want these plants to die. Help!
Answer Here's what Kniphofia looks like in active growth:
pss.uvm.edu/pss123/perknip.html
Most varieties are in full bloom by late June/early July, depending on the region. A few bloom all Summer right up to frost. Note that this plant needs constant moisture while in the bud stage; if you grow it too dry, you'll be very disappointed.
That moisture demand means that drainage better be perfect or the plant will rot in the pot or the ground.
Winter care is easy. Pull leaves toward the center of the plant, and secure with string or an elastic green garden tie; this will keep moisture out of the crown at the center.
Cover it with a good mulch once cold weather has arrived, and in Spring, cut back leaves so that they are at least three inches away from the Soil.
Most varieties are hardy to Zone 6. 'Northwest Washington' could mean a lot of locations; check the map and see what Zone you're in. I have a feeling your weather is delightfully mild and garden friendly.
