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About Long Island Gardener
(Top Expert on this page)

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.

You are here: Experts > Style > Gardening > Bulbs

Questions Answered By Expert Long Island Gardener
In Category Bulbs

Subject	Date Asked

Reusing Bulbs	10/6/2008
Q: I would like to reuse last years potted spring bulbs.After flowering I fed them with Chicken Manure. ... A: Sounds like you've had a busy Summer. Plant them in the ground right now, an average 6 inches is ...
Gardening	10/4/2008
Q: Could you please advise me on the best way to store my Glad bulbs for the winter. I live in Northern ... A: Use a pitchfork to dig your Gladiolus bulbs up when growth the leaves turn brown, before a real ...
Amarillo bulbs	10/3/2008
Q: We're moving and dug up about a dozen Amarillo bulbs. They may be out of the ground until ... A: No plastic bags for ... Amaryllis Bulbs? Hope we're talking about the same plant here. Plastic ...
dahlias mildew	10/1/2008
Q: my 3 year old sahlias have a powdery mildew on the leaves, they are producing flowers but the plants ... A: Believe it or not, Powdery Mildew happens to be on of those problems that needs no help from us to ...
planting time for bulbs	9/24/2008
Q: i live in andalucia southern spain, i recently was bought some spring bulbs as a present. i wish to ... A: The trick to timing Bulb plantings is to NOT put them in the ground too early, nor too late. Too ...
cana bulbs	9/23/2008
Q: I notice there are dried seeds that have formed on my cannas plants. It there a way of planting ... A: These Canna Seeds are so hard they were used as bullets by tropical natives in their slingshots at ...
When to Plant...	9/20/2008
Q: I live in southern NJ 08753. A neighbor was disposing of bulbs, what I think are Gladiolas or ... A: Gladiolus and Hyacinths are totally different plants. One is hardy. The other is tender. It ...
glads	9/17/2008
Q: my zip is 53578- my glads grew but the flowers never opened- they just dried up on the stem- i have ... A: A few Gladiolus-loving Insect Pests will cause those symptoms. Lygus lineolaris -- aka 'Tarnished ...
amariallas bulbs	9/16/2008
Q: I enjoyed the amaryllis while it was in bloom, I have watered of green stalk of the plant all ... A: If it is not already dormant, slow down watering as you notice the leaves turning brown, then halt ...
hybrid tulips	9/15/2008
Q: I purchased Darwin Tulips (Pink Impression) and want them to bloom approx the second week of June. I ... A: Twenty bucks says it's not going to be icebox temps in San Diego -- not in March, not in January, ...
plant bulbs	9/14/2008
Q: I've had some daffodil bulbs for about 3 years...I know, it's horrible. :P Are they still ok to use ... A: Nope. Sorry. Christina, don't beat yourself up over this. Do you REALLY think you are the only ...
Removal of gladiolus bulbs for winter	9/12/2008
Q: This is my first year growing gladiolias. I need to know when to cut off the stalks and remove the ... A: Gladiolus stay in the ground until the first hard frost. Although some industry professionals ...
wedding tulips	9/10/2008
Q: I am getting married next August, and Tulips have always been my favourite flower, but unfortunatly ... A: Yes, another American who believes nothing is impossible. Of all the possible flowers, you have ...
Naked Lady bulbs	9/9/2008
Q: I have seen all kinds of comments about the Naked Lady bulbs, but have not found any web sites to ... A: The Bulb you seek is technically Amaryllis Belladonna 'Naked Lady', not hard to find but you can buy ...
Double Bearded Iris - storage in CO	9/1/2008
Q: Is it possible to store my double bearded iris bulbs over the winter? I do not have any locations ... A: Get your jacket and let's scoot over to Ken Walker's Bulbous Iris website for a chat: ...
Star Gazer Lillies	8/23/2008
Q: I need to thin my SG lilies. When is the best time to do this, Spring or Fall? I live in ... A: Star Gazers are Oriental Lilies. Best time of year to thin or transplant them is coming up: Autumn, ...
Oriental lily	8/21/2008
Q: I have some beautiful Casa Blanca lily that I have had for about 5 years. We're moving, can I dig ... A: I don't blame you for wanting to take these Lilies with you. There is no experience like inhaling ...
iris transfer	8/18/2008
Q: I need to divide and transfer my iris to a new bed. The new bed has been cleaned out and the soil ... A: The most important step: A soil test. Don't touch ANYTHING until you have that information at your ...
Dalias	8/16/2008
Q: My zip code is 12414. When and how do I winterize the dahlia tubers for next. Thanking you for the ... A: As you know, the Catskills region is going to be too cold to leave these plants in the ground past ...
Stargazer lilies	8/14/2008
Q: I absolutely love stargazers. I recently bought a plant that has already grown and bloomed. I ... A: You can spend plenty of money on books, but you don't need that to plant a few Bulbs. Much better: ...
Stargazer lilies	8/11/2008
Q: I absolutely love stargazers. I recently bought a plant that has already grown and bloomed. I ... A: Provided you have a place in the garden to PLANT it (and Stargazer is an Oriental Lily by the way), ...
Calla Lilies	8/8/2008
Q: How do calla lily bulbs come to be? I have a beautiful white calla lily that I planted in a large ... A: Read all about Calla Lily Seeds at online retailer 'doug green's flower-garden-bulbs.com': ...
Splitting & cutting Irises	8/5/2008
Q: What is the powder or solution that is to be applied to the Iris root once it's been cut, to prevent ... A: Emmy, Irises are not prone to Mold or Fungus. The most common problem -- and a serious one -- is ...
lillies	7/31/2008
Q: we are having a wedding 6/13/09 at our home in Baltimore. I would like to plant white lillies for ... A: Asiatics are APPROXIMATE mid-June bloomers. But this is a very tricky balancing act. A lot depends ...
stargazer lillies	7/28/2008
Q: if you cut the dying flower off of a stargazer lilly plant will another flower grow in its place or ... A: Those Lilies bloom one to a customer. But cutting the spent bloom is an important task. You stop ...
storing & transplanting iris	7/27/2008
Q: I am moving from Amarillo, Texas to Richland, Washington and want to take some of my mother's iris ... A: I'm sorry to take so long to get to your question, Karen, but I am really backed up here and I am ...
Daffodil bulbs	7/23/2008
Q: My neighbor dug up there daffodil bulbs and gave them to me,right now they are in a bucket all dried ... A: Sorry to keep you waiting so long for an answer here, Mark. I am terribly backed up here at ...
storing amaryllis bulbs	7/22/2008
Q: I had to dig up an existing garden, it was old and overgrown from neglect, I bought the house and ... A: Amaryllis do not like to be moved around and transplanted. Best thing to do is to pot these up ...
stargazer lilies	7/21/2008
Q: i bought a potted stargazer this spring, and its doing wonderful. i want to plant it in the ground ... A: You're in luck. Oriental Lilies are widely held to be hardy down to USDA Zone 3 -- 30 to 40 degrees ...
Lilies - thinning them out?	7/19/2008
Q: I have several varieties of lilies. I have been able to dig them up and seperate the new growth and ... A: This is a whopper of a file, but you will probably enjoy reading 'How to Hybridize your Own Lilies' ...
gladiolus bulbs	7/17/2008
Q: I live in Detroit, MI zip code 48220 to be exact. I planted "harty" glads in late April - early May ... A: Gladiolus blooms in 75 to 85 days after being planted -- that would put your delivery due date at ...
Cala Lily Plant	7/16/2008
Q: I just finished reading your detailed message on keeping cala lilies healthy and alive. I have a ... A: I admit I have not grown Yellow Callas, but I must tell you that you are not the first person to ...
Cut flowers from bulbs	7/14/2008
Q: I'll be planting my first tulip bulbs this fall and would like to be able to supply myself with cut ... A: Capital idea, Kathleen. 'Is it safe?' That's a problem. It's never safe. I know what you're ...
after bloom care of lilies	7/12/2008
Q: After the star-gazer lilies finish blooming, do the stems and leaves have to be left until they dry ... A: Lilies, unlike Tulips and other Spring bulbs, must be left to grow for the rest of the season. ...
Please help me plant these bulb quick	7/11/2008
Q: I recently received some bulbs form an aquaintance, but I am not sure when or where to plant them or ... A: Full instructions on growing Caladiums are posted here: ...
storing iris roots	7/10/2008
Q: we are moving from north carolina to ohio this fall and we have hundreds of iris and day lillies we ... A: The ONLY way to store an Iris now, or in your case HUNDREDS of Iris, is to pot them up. Sorry but ...
Please help me plant these bulb quick	7/9/2008
Q: I recently received some bulbs form an aquaintance, but I am not sure when or where to plant them or ... A: The Caladium is a SHADE plant that will burn in the sun like a Redhead from Ireland. All others ...
Lilium 'Red Carpet' (Asiatic) not blooming	6/28/2008
Q: i bought 10 bulbs in fall and planted them in fall so they had winter to get ready for blooming. In ... A: Let's get one thing straight. You have only one Lily here, and that's the one that's not blooming. ...
Advice on planting a bulb garden?	6/27/2008
Q: I have a very large space that I want to fill with a bulb garden, It is about 30 feet long and 5 ... A: Your best bet is to order a pre-planned garden from one of the old, established suppliers. I ...
Can tulips be saved?	6/25/2008
Q: After they bloomed, my husband discarded them, but I recently found them out in our backyard in the ... A: Many years ago, when I bought my first house, I was determined to install the spectacular Spring ...
storing dafodil bulbs	6/24/2008
Q: I live in zone 6 and on June 22 I decided to dig up and replant my small front yard, discovering ... A: These Bulbs like dark, cool storage out of the ground. Your actions were not gold standard, but ...
Iris bulbs	6/22/2008
Q: I used to live in Colorado, but I'm in Oklahoma City. I have some Iris and have never had much luck ... A: Odd but true... The answer posted to your AllExperts question, my friend, was not mine. I happened ...
Iris zone 3	6/21/2008
Q: I have at least 70 Iris..some are sibieran but not near tall bearded Iris...They all bloomed for 2 ... A: Iris need serious sunlight in order to bloom, my friend. Please describe the kind of light your ...
Can Canna Lilies be potted?	6/20/2008
Q: I just got a beautiful canna lily as a gift & I do not want to plant it outside in the ground and ... A: One of my favorite websites, 'Plant of the Week', ran a page on Cannas Culture that might prove ...
forcing tulip bulbs in summer	6/17/2008
Q: I would like to make tulip centerpieces for a baby shower in August. I live on Long Island (zone 5). ... A: One thing about Americans, and especially New Yorkers, is that we never, never take NO for an ...
Can Canna Lilies be potted?	6/16/2008
Q: I just got a beautiful canna lily as a gift & I do not want to plant it outside in the ground and ... A: Cannas are quite hardy. Some experts don't usually recommend you lift them unless Winters hit 10 ...
amarillas naked lady bulbs	6/15/2008
Q: how deep should they be planted in the Tehachapi, CA area? A: It doesn't get easier than Amaryllis. These are practically foolproof. Culture is as follows: For ...
Hardy cyclamen bulbs	6/14/2008
Q: I live in NJ (zone 6), and I ordered hardy cyclamen bulbs online late May. I immediately planted ... A: These plants are Autumn or late Summer bloomers, not Spring or Summer. Here's what Garden Genius Ed ...
preserving dug up tigerlilly bulbs	6/13/2008
Q: I have to remove some tiger lillies. It's June 13. I can't move them in clumps of soil because the ... A: Absolutely, positively NO. Do NOT freeze these Bulbs. Get yourself a paper bag or container to put ...
Stargazer Lilies	6/12/2008
Q: My son and his fiance are to be married on November 15th 2008. Her flowers are going to be ... A: J-Lo and Ivana, for inspiring all wedding-planning families to cling to the belief that nothing is ...
daffodils	6/11/2008
Q: What do you do with the plant after the flowers are gone and the palnt starts wilting? Do you cut ... A: NOOOOOOOO! Do not cut anything!!!! Leave the Daffodils alone! Water all your Spring Bulbs ...
Splitting Day Lillies	6/2/2008
Q: Area Louisville KY 40223 My Lillies are 4 -5 years old and need to be separated badly. can I still ... A: Get the show on the road, the sooner the better, before they start to bloom. One of the benefits of ...
Easter Lilly	6/1/2008
Q: I have a potted easter lilly that has died back, and I'm not sure what to do with it. I'm in ... A: Lilium longiflorum, the ultra-fragrant, popular Easter Lily, is also one of the most tender Lilies, ...
Tulip, Daffodil, & Hyacinth Bulbs	5/31/2008
Q: I am wanting to move some of my tulips, daffodils, & hyacinths and would like to know if I can dig ... A: Digging Spring Bulbs up before they have fully matured (i.e., when leaves are still intact) is ...
Growing bulbs in north central Florida	5/30/2008
Q: I live in in Alachua, FL area code 32615, we generally have 2-3 hard freezes per year. This past yr ... A: One of the most important steps in Tulip-forcing: Select the right Tulip. That means picking ...
irises	5/29/2008
Q: Do I just get rid of the dead heads or do I cut the whole plant off? A: Take out your kitchen scissors and cut carefully the dried up flower at the end of each stalk. If ...
Stargazer Lily	5/28/2008
Q: I bought 2 stargazer lilies from Lowe's. They had about 8 bulbs on each of them when I bought ... A: Sorry I have taken so long to answer to your question, Patsy. I have been out with the flu for a ...
dahlia's	5/27/2008
Q: I live in Revere Massachusetts. I planted dahlia bulbs around the end of April. How long does it ... A: Patience, my friend. Rome was not built in a day. Dahlias in Revere, Massachusetts, should not be ...
separating tulip bulbs	5/23/2008
Q: How often should you dig and separate tulip bulbs if you live in Montana area 4. Thank you for your ... A: You don't have to dig them up unless you are growing Tulips in a Summer location that gets a lot of ...
Growing bulbs in north central Florida	5/21/2008
Q: I live in in Alachua, FL area code 32615, we generally have 2-3 hard freezes per year. This past yr ... A: Short stems MAY be caused by the wrong length or temps during cold storage -- or simply by fruit or ...
Gladiolus	5/20/2008
Q: I live in South Carolina (29036) and I live on the lake. I have some bulbs that I would like to ... A: Only certain Iris and a few other blooming water plants thrive in constant moisture -- we call those ...
gladiolas	5/18/2008
Q: i planted the corms upside down, will they grow or should i dig them up and turn them around. A: They will bloom just fine this way, but it will take a bit longer and will require a bit more ...
dafffodiles	5/17/2008
Q: Transplanting and I observed a comment about nematodes. I'm from toronto Canada I wish to ... A: Lots of good questions here, my friend. Easy answers. 1. July is a perfect month to move your ...
potted Dalhias	5/15/2008
Q: I transplanted 2 lovely Dahlias into a large pot. After 3 weeks the leaves are turning white and ... A: There is a Dahlia disease called 'White Smut', caused by a Fungus called Entyloma dahliae, that ...
amaryllis	5/13/2008
Q: I have 4 amarylis bulbs that I rebloomed this year. They were beautiful! After they flowered and ... A: Your thoughts about Bulbs being Seed-less makes perfect sense. Why would you need Seeds? Right? ...
Amaryllis bulb	5/12/2008
Q: Recently, my husband had to dig up about 30 amaryllis bulbs to plant roses. Should I replant these ... A: I don't know where you live that your Amaryllis are outside having finished blooming -- in these ...
Yet Another Question About Tulip/Hyacinth Bulbs	5/11/2008
Q: I understand that you shouldn't dig up tulip/hyacinth bulbs until the flowers have dropped off and ... A: Put these back in the ground asap and let the foliage die back naturally, a change that should take ...
amaryllis	5/10/2008
Q: I have 4 amarylis bulbs that I rebloomed this year. They were beautiful! After they flowered and ... A: You can grow Bulbs from scratch two ways, my friend. One of course is to take a bulblet off the ...
Transplanting Tulips	5/9/2008
Q: The city where I live pays a nursery to plant the plant boxes along the Main street in my Town. They ... A: Give it your best shot, Sheri. Plant them in a full sun location, water well, talk to them, be ...
stargazer lillies?!	5/7/2008
Q: I recently purchased a small potted plant of Stargazer Lillies. They're actually for my mother for ... A: 'Stargazer' is one of the best selling Oriental Lilies of all time, right up there with ...
Exploding Asiatic lilies	5/6/2008
Q: My Asiatic lilies were planted in a nice row in my garden. Each plant (about 3 feet tall and well ... A: Asiatic Lilies are the easiest of hardy Summer Bulbs, and quick to multiply -- especially if ...
Forced tulip & Hycinth bulbs	5/5/2008
Q: I purchased these lovely plants in pots this spring and now the leaves and blooms are gone. Can I ... A: Lucky for you, Hyacinths are some of the most perennial of Bulbs and easy to repeat next year. You ...
Daffodil bulbs	5/3/2008
Q: If a bulb does not produce a flower will it produce a flower the next year. A: Disappointment reigns every Spring across the Northern latitudes as gardeners who have waited for ...
daffadil	5/2/2008
Q: We moved in 12 years ago and there were daffadils in the front which i have never done anything ... A: Would you tell me please if these Daffodils have been slowly disappearing, with fewer each year? Or ...
caladium watering	4/30/2008
Q: how often should I water caladiums that are just now blooming? I hear water everyday but then Im ... A: If your Caladium Soil is healthy and light, the roots will not rot -- but you can always let them ...
tulip blooms	4/29/2008
Q: I don't have trouble with animals eating my tulip bulbs but every year just after my tulips bloom, I ... A: I know the feeling. In my case, I was certain it was a psychiatric patient who had actually spent ...
Star Gazer Lilies	4/27/2008
Q: Can I plant them in a pot and put them on the porch A: If your porch is the see-thru kind, Yes, you can grow Lilies in a pot on the porch. No sun, no way ...
Tiger Lillies	4/24/2008
Q: I read on the internet that you can divided them if they haven't bloomed yet. Mine are about 6-8" ... A: Leaf Mulch turns quickly to super-rich Leaf Mould -- Bravo! There's nothing like it to build up your ...
After Daffodills bloom	4/23/2008
Q: How to care for daffodils after they are through blooming. Do I cut off blossoms? A: Get the blossoms with a scissors; leave the leaves until they are brown and total history. Don't ...
Tiger Lillies	4/22/2008
Q: I read on the internet that you can divided them if they haven't bloomed yet. Mine are about 6-8" ... A: It takes around 3 years for bulblets (found in Lily leaf axils and other areas) of Tiger Lilies to ...
Oriental Lilies	4/21/2008
Q: I had an established bed containing oriental lilies. It contained stalks about 3 feet tall, and my ... A: Let me see here. Stalks were growing actively. They were removed, but the Lilies were not ...
Bulbs & Geraniums	4/20/2008
Q: I live in eastern Washington & didn't get to plant all my bulbs this last fall. I stored them in a ... A: Tulips are rarely cooperative when it comes to Human error. They are not cooperative when it comes ...
amaryllis bulbs	4/19/2008
Q: I bought two beautiful bulbs at a garden show this winter. They flowered wonderfully. I want to know ... A: Assuming they are no longer growing, and are fully dormant, your Amaryllis should be left in their ...
planting after blooms	4/18/2008
Q: Can i transfer the flower after they bloom? (daffodil)..I have a field behind my house and i want to ... A: Sure! Just take a huge pile of Soil around the root when you move them. Dig a huge hole, to ...
Dutch Iris	4/16/2008
Q: Can I dig up and replant Iris's right now. I live in Perris, California and my zip code is 92570. A: I'm terribly backed up with questions, Kimberly, and I am trying very hard to catch up quickly. ...
tulips	4/15/2008
Q: I bought tulip bulbs early in the season last year while building a new home. I did not get to ... A: Tulips, sorry to say, do not perform the way we are led to believe. You do not have to have a brown ...
day lilies	4/14/2008
Q: how do i get day lillies ready in the spring A: Daylilies are easy-care plants that need very little attention. They do not need any fertilizing ...
Dafodils	4/13/2008
Q: How and when do you separate and move dafodils so that they can be planted in other areas of the ... A: Do not disturb Daffodils until AFTER flowering is done. Best to move when dormant, but if you ...
daffodils	4/10/2008
Q: should i dig up dafs. now, (when they are dying down),(i usually tie the tops in a knot) and replant ... A: Daffodil leaves are very busy right now. Next year's bloom needs to be started. So the leaves are ...
SPRING FLOWERING BULBS	4/9/2008
Q: I live in Ct and have bulbs that were not planted in the fall.Is there anything I can do with them? A: Funny how this happens every year. Some things never changed. Like I told someone else just a few ...
daffodil bubls	4/8/2008
Q: I received daffodil bulbs last October and forgot to plant them. They have been sitting in my ... A: Do NOT wait another day with these -- your odds of ever getting a bloom out of these dive by the ...
Daffodils	4/7/2008
Q: Some of my Daffodils did not bloom this year and after reading your answer to a question I now know ... A: Better late than never, my friend. Let them grow like mad, without their blooms. They'll build up ...
easter hyacinth	4/6/2008
Q: I received a beautiful easter hyacinth. I've never owned one. At first it was just a beautiful ... A: Assuming you do in fact have a Hyacinth, I would first stake the stalks so that they do not break or ...
daffodils did not bloom	4/5/2008
Q: This year my bed of daffodils did not bloom after at least 4-5 years of successful reblooming. I ... A: Conceivably, the mulch you used may have triggered bulb rot; also possibly there were predators in ...
Keeping Tulip bulbs	4/3/2008
Q: I received a beautiful pot of tulips for Easter. They have finished blooming. We live in Arizona ... A: What is it about gardeners that makes us want to attempt the impossible? Why do people in ...
finding bulbs	4/1/2008
Q: I am looking for Chocolate/Skunk Lilies. I have searched several different companies that sell bulbs ... A: Dirty Diaper Lily. Outhouse Lily. Skunk Lily. The Brown-flowered Fritillaria camschatcensis's ...
Grocery store tulips	3/31/2008
Q: I was given a pot of purple tulips by my 2 little cousins after my Mother passed away, and told them ... A: Tulips unfortunately are not the most reliable of Spring bulbs. I know, we all think of Tulips when ...
Abuot rnanculus plants	3/30/2008
Q: how r u ? i have bought the rnanculus bulbs from a seed store .planted them ,they grown well ... A: Those Ranunculus bulbs do burst open into some stunning blooms in vivid colors. One Ranunculus ...
getting tulips to rebloom in safe year	3/28/2008
Q: march store bought blooming tulips in pots, they are now having leaves turn yellow and flower dying, ... A: Sad truth is, few potted Tulips purchased in stores ever live to see another Spring. That's because ...
Tulips sprouting early	3/27/2008
Q: WI. It is late march here are the snow is starting to melt and my tulips are also starting to ... A: Early Tulips will probably be O.K. but rest assured you are not the only gardener watching in horror ...
Tulips in the office	3/25/2008
Q: I was given potted tulips for my new office. I have no idea how to care for them, HELP!!! A: First, DO NOT let them dry out. These need WATER. Soak them first thing every Monday and last ...
amaryllis	3/24/2008
Q: I received an amaryllis growing kit for Christmas. After following the directions, I grew a ... A: Sounds to me like you snipped off the petals without removing the flowers. If so, your Amaryllis ...
daffodil bulbs not planted yet!	3/22/2008
Q: I've got a BUNCH of daffodil bulbs that have started to sprout already, but the planting beds are ... A: No. Put them in pots or Soil and water them. Or give them away --- fast. There are some people ...
Tulips in a container	3/21/2008
Q: I purchased tulips in a container and the inital blooms are dropping, but there is quite a bit of ... A: Years ago, I was standing in the Garden Center -- here, that's Hicks on Jericho Turnpike -- on the ...
AMYRILIS BULBS	3/19/2008
Q: I received a gift of 2 large amyrilis bulbs for xmas.The leaves started to come up brown and then ... A: You didn't mention drainage holes -- if water does not drain out at the bottom, it becomes stagnant ...
Bulbs	3/15/2008
Q: You probably get tired of this question, but- my husband and son gave me several beautiful blooming ... A: Your Bulbs most definitely stand a good chance of surviving in your Garden. If you are living in a ...
Tulip zone 9 77546	3/14/2008
Q: I am new to gardening in Houston Texas and just ordered and received tulip bulbs in the mail. I now ... A: You have to find out if these Tulips were pre-chilled before you purchased them, dear. They are ...
ARE THE AMARYLLIS BULBS POISOINOUS?	3/12/2008
Q: MY PUP GOT INTO SOME STORED BULBS I HAD AND ATE QUITE A BIT OF AN AMARYLLIS BULB. HE HAS BEEN ... A: Lycorine in the Amaryllis bulb is poisonous. Bring puppy to the vet asap. Vomiting and diarrhea ...
underplanting mt hood daffodils	3/11/2008
Q: zone 6 - have a large berm with Mt Hoods - used to have hostas and ferns that came up as they were ... A: The challenge here is to get a Sun-loving groundcover, preferably with blooms, with solid drought ...
forcing star gazer lily's	3/8/2008
Q: I was just given 2 stargazer lily bulbs in a glass container filled with marbles and water. How much ... A: Lilies grow best in Soil. Water-only will work, but you won't get any blooms more than once; after ...
sick unidentified bulb plant	3/6/2008
Q: I was given a houseplant for Valentine's Day and it that had no name, only Assorted Bulbs written on ... A: Grace, I'm sorry your plant did not pull through. Nevertheless, I've said it before and I'll say it ...
daffodils and other bulbs	3/5/2008
Q: I have trees behind my home and noticed last year there are lovely plants behind the trees, such as ... A: I would leave those 'naturalized' plants alone and plant others. You won't see any significant ...
Oxalis Bulbs	3/4/2008
Q: I see it's time to plant Oxalis Bulbs. I particularly like the purple ones. My question is, will ... A: Are we talking about Oxalis Crassipes? Wood Sorrel? A Violet version is available: ...
sick unidentified bulb plant	3/3/2008
Q: I was given a houseplant for Valentine's Day and it that had no name, only Assorted Bulbs written on ... A: 'Being done for the season' would be a good guess -- but from what you've told me, this has only ...
tuberous begonia	3/2/2008
Q: I'm in Zone 3 (Manitoba, Canada) Some of my begonias have 2 to 3 inches of growth. Can I cut some ... A: There is no way to delay growth at this point, but you can slow it down. Keep the plant cool and ...
tulips	2/29/2008
Q: How long can tulips be expected to last on Long Island? Is it true they are most likely to be gone ... A: Tulips bloom pretty much in one of maybe 5 'waves'. Earliest are the species Tulips, which bloom ...
tulip bulbs	2/27/2008
Q: I have 2 glass containers that have about 1 1/2 to 2 inches of water in the bottom, a plastic tray ... A: I take it your pretty Tulips have been growing in H2O on the windowsill. They bloomed beautifully, ...
sick unidentified bulb plant	2/26/2008
Q: I was given a houseplant for Valentine's Day and it that had no name, only Assorted Bulbs written on ... A: This is going to be tough. I suspect you have very dry air in your dorm room, yes? Perfect ...
storing tulip bulbs	2/22/2008
Q: I live in northwest Florida (panhandle) zip 32548. I do not have a dark cool place to put my bulbs ... A: Assuming they received good treatment after blooming (full sun, removal of spent blooms), you can ...
calla lily	2/20/2008
Q: my calla lily bulbs from last summer are sprouting. i took the hard path in storeing them . wash all ... A: First, Congratulations for your success in storing those Bulbs through the hardest months of the ...
Astramaris	2/16/2008
Q: I am on a sentimental search for a bride to be. She wants to plant astramaris, but we are unable to ... A: One of the top Dutch growers of ALSTROEMERIA has a website: http://www.alstroemeria.com/intro_f.htm ...
Patio Plants	2/15/2008
Q: I live northern Calif (bay area),I may of ask you this question before, anyway I live in a apt. and ... A: Myths abound about Orchids -- one that they are difficult to cultivate, another that they need ...
Patio Plants	2/12/2008
Q: I live northern Calif (bay area),I may of ask you this question before, anyway I live in a apt. and ... A: Geraniums and Jasmines are splendid plants, although some (not all) fragrant Jasmine set flowers ...
New England January Bulb Sprouting!!!!	2/5/2008
Q: I live in Boston and planted tulip bulbs along my front fence late this fall. I noticed that a lot ... A: Without proper chilling (12 to 15 weeks below 45 degrees F), most Tulips will not bloom. That ...
tulip bulbs	2/2/2008
Q: My forced bulbs bloomed and are now bald. What can i do to save the bulbs for next year? do i wait ... A: It's VERY tricky to bloom Bulbs out of season, so congratulations for a job well done. Most people ...
what to do about daffodil bulbs	1/30/2008
Q: I am in Burlington, NC, zone 7, I believe, and I have a question about daffodil bulbs. Breck's sent ... A: Capital idea -- but for best results, cover the plot with leaves, maybe a garbage pail or other ...
what to do about daffodil bulbs	1/28/2008
Q: I am in Burlington, NC, zone 7, I believe, and I have a question about daffodil bulbs. Breck's sent ... A: Better late than never, Monica. Get them potted asap and keep them in the basement (sub-45 degrees ...
hyacinthe, as a houseplant	1/27/2008
Q: I have some Hyacinthe flowers bought in small pots,delft blue. I beleive they are a good substitute ... A: There's nothing like a room filled with the fragrance of Hyacinths. Yes, they are wonderful -- but ...
Tulips & Daffodils	1/23/2008
Q: I live in Connecticut and have bulbs that were not planted last fall - can I plant next fall? What ... A: Hopefully the ground will still be frozen when these roots are growing. You don't want them to be ...
Tulips & Daffodils	1/22/2008
Q: I live in Connecticut and have bulbs that were not planted last fall - can I plant next fall? What ... A: Your best hope is to pot your Tulips asap and place them in the garage (or, if the garage is too ...
Amarylis Bulb	1/18/2008
Q: I have an amarylis that finished blooming. It has 4 large blooms and beautiful. I know I leave the ... A: This is the less than fun side of growing Amaryllis. This plain, ordinary foliage needs to be ...
indoor tulip vase	1/17/2008
Q: I have a vase with plastic tray for tulips that I saved from Costco last year. I purchased some ... A: I'm not exactly sure I understand your setup, Louise, but I don't want to delay this any further, so ...
Daffodils and tulips	1/16/2008
Q: It is January and either my daffodils or my tulips are coming up already. Isn't it too soon? I am ... A: Coast to Coast, desperate gardeners are watching the thermometer, checking signs of garden life, ...
Tulip bulbs... plant or store?	1/13/2008
Q: I just received 60(!) tulip bulbs for Christmas. It is now January 13th and I still have not had a ... A: Cindy, if you don't plant those Tulips pronto, it will be too hot for them to grow. Get them in the ...
tulip bulbs from Amsterdam	1/12/2008
Q: I bought all of these beautiful bulbs in Amsterdam when we were there in June. They were all the ... A: Pity, those Ranunculas and Freesias. They are stunning flowers and some of my favorites. Your ...
Amaryllises	1/11/2008
Q: I bought several Amaryllis kits. Each consists of a pot, a bulb and coir fiber. This coir fiber is ... A: You state that 'some of the amaryllises are not going to flower' -- I am wondering how you would be ...
spring bulbs	1/7/2008
Q: I'm trying to organize a Spring Fair for our school. To raise money for our school I thought of ... A: You cannot purchase Bulbs unless they have been pre-cooled. It is conceivable that Van Engelen in ...
amaryllis bulbs	1/5/2008
Q: After I pull the bulbs from the soil, put them in a bag for next holiday, should I be doing anything ... A: Best results come from leaving the bulbs in the pots you had them in, soil and all, and continuing ...
Late Planting	1/4/2008
Q: I am in the south - Bham, Al to be precise & I am wondering about how to plant bulbs that will bloom ... A: A hard freeze in Alabama? I didn't know you had those down there. Get those bulbs in a pot of Soil ...
Hybrid lily	1/3/2008
Q: I just bought a hybrid lily plant with orange flower. I think it is Asiatic lily. If I plant it ... A: The only thing that worries me here, Julie, is that you 'think' you bought an Asiatic Lily. There ...
Amaryllis in Oklahoma?	1/2/2008
Q: My son subscribed me to a "living plant" club this Christmas where I will receive a living plant for ... A: DO NOT plant an Amaryllis outside, dear, when the weather warms up. It will not survive the Winter ...
Growing Tulips Indoors	1/1/2008
Q: I'm planning a wedding for June 28, 2008. I would love to plant my own potted tulips for the ... A: Wishing for Potted Tulips in June is asking for a lot, Teryl, and if you want to do this yourself, ...
Cana lilies	12/29/2007
Q: I live in the Phoenix area, zone 9. We moved into a new house this summer and had all our ... A: Sorry, dear, but if your landscaper dug a hole, they're probably not growing in rocks, are they? If ...
Cana lilies	12/28/2007
Q: I live in the Phoenix area, zone 9. We moved into a new house this summer and had all our ... A: Cannas are quite hardy. Some experts don't usually recommend you lift them unless Winters hit 10 ...
paperwhites	12/27/2007
Q: From Ashland, OR: At the base of each tiny blossom of my paper whites is a round green mass that ... A: Paperwhites are a one-hit wonder. Those Baby Bulbs appear from time to time in Bulbs large enough ...
saving paper white narcissus bulbs for reuse	12/23/2007
Q: Again this year we have recieved about 20 paper white narcissus bulbs from various friends, and they ... A: I feel your pain, Jon. It is so hard to toss those Paperwhites. So lovely, so fleeting, such a ...
Planting bulbs indoors	12/20/2007
Q: I purchased Tulip, Iris, Crocus, and Daffodil bulbs. I live in Northern California. I want to plant ... A: A rose is a rose, but a Daffodil has a dozen 'divisions' and can be Tazettas, Trumpets, Jonquils and ...
amaryllis	12/15/2007
Q: I have just been given an Amaryllis in a huge glass container with sand on the bottom and glass ... A: The stress this plant is under as we speak is worse than the stress is will be under if you pot it ...
amaryillus bulbs	12/13/2007
Q: To whom it may concern, ... A: You're asking a lot here, Ivor, unless you have bulbs in active growth right now. Dormancy is not ...
gladiola corms	12/10/2007
Q: what do gladiola corms look like? A: Here is an excellent photo of some Gladiolus corms: ...
amaryllis	12/9/2007
Q: I have just been given an Amaryllis in a huge glass container with sand on the bottom and glass ... A: You'll do much better with this gift if you can get your hands on a 6- to 12-inch Clay Pot at your ...
flower bulbs	12/7/2007
Q: I live in Southern NJ & I was just given a whole bunch of flower bulbs. Daffodil, tulips, crocus, ... A: I recommend a bunch of garbage cans with holes pre-cut to encourage drainage. Come Spring, get them ...
Irisis care in the home for winter	12/6/2007
Q: I recently received some Iris tubers and it is too late to get them in the ground. How can I keep ... A: Plant these in pots and keep them in a dry, dark, cool location. Water them only occasionally and ...
Forcing tullip bulbs - mixed hybreds	12/4/2007
Q: We placed our bulbs in soil in pots, fertilized and watered them, covered them with plastic,and ... A: Buy a round trip ticket to the Fiskars website: ...
cannas bulbs	12/2/2007
Q: I live in Wilmington, NC & have cannas growing in pots. I have cut them back as the cold weather ... A: I don't know the numbers as far as the success rate with these different methods, my friend, but I ...
propagation of Casablanca Lilies zip 91361	12/1/2007
Q: I have some great Casablanca lilies that bloomed beautifully this year. My question is, I got some ... A: As you may know, the world famous 'Casablanca' is an Oriental Lily. To germinate, you would expose ...
Nectar from lillies	11/29/2007
Q: i was told that the nectar from lillies can kill pets, esp cats and dogs.???? i ask this because ... A: Lily-of-the-Valley -- Convallaria majalis -- damage the cardiovascular system when eaten with two ...
storing tulip bulbs	11/28/2007
Q: Could you please tell me if there is any way to store tulip bulbs(also grape hyicinth) until the ... A: Unplanted Spring Bulbs should be planted in Soil and held over artificially until Spring, when they ...
New Guinea Impatient Bulbs	11/27/2007
Q: I live in zipcode area 19401 and I have a question regarding bulbs for New Guinea Impatients. I ... A: Susan Dear, New Guinea Impatiens do not produce bulbs. Perhaps you are growing something else -- or ...
Unplanted bulbs left out during cold snap	11/22/2007
Q: I recently moved to the Boise ID area. I bought a bunch of tulip, daffodil, narcissus bulbs, which ... A: Hard to believe, but Spring Bulbs will indeed endure short periods of exposure to subfreezing temps ...
Forcing tullip bulbs - mixed hybreds	11/21/2007
Q: We placed our bulbs in soil in pots, fertilized and watered them, covered them with plastic,and ... A: Refrigerator chilling is VERY tricky, friends. You need lots of air circulation to make up for the ...
grow tulips in pots in Hong Kong	11/20/2007
Q: I live in Hong Kong and would like to grow tulips in pots. I have a very sunny rooftop. I got some ... A: Sounds like gardening is in your blood, Wendy. There's a gene for that, I just know it. ...
Handling Lily Bulbs for winter	11/17/2007
Q: I have asiatic lily's (I think that is what they are called), that I just dug up this weekend ... A: Lilies, Asiatic and Oriental and otherwise, don't REALLY go dormant. They fare badly out of the ...
daffodils sprouting in fall	11/16/2007
Q: Last year I left a large bowl of bulbs out most of the year before planting. That fall they ... A: Plain and simple, Robert, if they're outdoors, they're not dry, they're not cool, they're not ...
tulips and garlic	11/14/2007
Q: Can garlic and tulips grow well together? thank you, A: It's almost moot to contemplate the marriage of Tulips and plants like Garlic in the Allium Genus, ...
digging up cannas in winter indiana	11/13/2007
Q: I have read several things you have written and I would appreciate your advice for more detail in ... A: FYI Indianapolis, Indiana is USDA Zone 6. Gardeners need these numbers. Now you have them. Cannas ...
naricsuss bulbs-urgent!	11/12/2007
Q: i was wondering how you can plant narcissus(please excuse my spelling!) bulbs in rocks or sand. will ... A: Gee, I hope I'm not too late with this. Narcissus (also known as Daffodils) won't grow BETTER in ...
Amaryllis? Flowers	11/9/2007
Q: I purchased my amaryllis bulb last year. After flowering early this year, I cut off the flower ... A: Let your Amaryllis grow just like any houseplant without flowers -- it just needs more light. You ...
Amaryllis? Flowers	11/8/2007
Q: I purchased my amaryllis bulb last year. After flowering early this year, I cut off the flower ... A: Very important to make sure your Amaryllis is getting lots of light. It takes time to build a ...
Tulip Bulb - Dried Up?	11/7/2007
Q: I bought some tulip bulbs from Home Depot 11/1/07. They don't look so good. Some are completely ... A: Sure, try Brent and Beckys -- but I would go for the 50's. There's nothing like a big burst of ...
Tulip Bulb - Dried Up?	11/2/2007
Q: I bought some tulip bulbs from Home Depot 11/1/07. They don't look so good. Some are completely ... A: Tsk, tsk, tsk Catherine -- Home Depot for Tulips? These are not cheap and they are not reliable! ...
calla bulbs	10/30/2007
Q: I accidentally cut a calla lily bulb in half when digging them. It has some small ones on the ... A: Best thing is to dust the cut with sulfur to protect against Fungus, and re-plant in a very light ...
Incredible Shrinking Bulb!!!???	10/27/2007
Q: I am wondering if you can help me with this amaryllis question? I have grown in the last 5 years ... A: Armed with your new information, I posed your problem to the elite clique that calls itself The ...
Planting bulbs in the fall	10/26/2007
Q: We just moved to a new home in Norfolk, VA. We planted many bulbs during the first week of October ... A: Ground temps cooler than 50 degrees F are what you need for Bulbs to build their root system. Roots ...
Incredible Shrinking Bulb!!!???	10/25/2007
Q: I am wondering if you can help me with this amaryllis question? I have grown in the last 5 years ... A: Amaryllis is perennial in Zones 9 through 12. You did not mention your location, but I assume ...
Bulbs popping up in the fall	10/24/2007
Q: I just put together a new flower bed in the front yard last month. I planted daffodils, tulips and ... A: This Weird Weather is freaking out Bulb Lovers EVERYWHERE, unfortunately. Doomed? Those early ...
Planting bulbs in pots	10/23/2007
Q: How was your summer? Earlier this year, I inquired about the best procedure and time to plant tulip ... A: Yes, I see your subject line now, 'Bulbs in Pots' DUUUUUHHHH. Sorry. Pots is different. A tedious ...
Planting bulbs in pots	10/22/2007
Q: How was your summer? Earlier this year, I inquired about the best procedure and time to plant tulip ... A: 'tis the season to plant Tu-lips, fala lala la, lala la la. Anthony, I do not recall your location ...
Canna Plants	10/17/2007
Q: I live in Michigan- zip code is 48141 How deep should I plant my cannas plants to avoid freezing? ... A: Love Thy Neighbor -- even when they not the friendly folks we wish they were. I heard a comedian do ...
canna bulbs	10/13/2007
Q: can you grow cannas in pots and bring them inside as house plants in the winter? A: To my best knowledge, Cannas do not have any photoperiod requirements. That means that a short day ...
Bulbs	10/10/2007
Q: I live in zip code 78727 and I'm new to the area and don't know what kind of bulbs I could be ... A: Austin, Texas - USDA Zone 8b, same as Gainesville, Florida. Minimum temp averages 15 to 20 degrees ...
Canna Bulbs in pots	10/8/2007
Q: I have canna bulbs and some grass's in large pots on my patio, I want to store them in my basement ... A: The first kiss of frost will blacken your Canna leaves. If they were actually growing in the ...
dahlia bulbs	10/6/2007
Q: I'm in Zone 7. Can you cut back and dig up Dahlia bulbs that are still flowering or must you wait ... A: Cutting before they're ready is asking for trouble, and will always take a toll on the tubers. If ...
Tulip Bulbs	10/4/2007
Q: I got a big bag of tulip buld last year but didn't need all of them and hence I kept small unopened ... A: As an American, I like to believe NOTHING is impossible. After all, they thought the Earth was ...
tulips	10/3/2007
Q: I live in Central Florida and want to plant tulips, when should I plant them and about when would ... A: No matter where you go, gardeners are looking for ways to do things that can't be done. Me, I have ...
Indoor Daffodils	9/28/2007
Q: I have no luck with plants, but I love them so much! I was wondering: If I plant daffodil bulbs in ... A: Dani, there are a LOT of different Daffodils. I think you would be very happy with Paperwhite ...
When is the best time to plant tulip bulbs	9/23/2007
Q: I live in zone 11 and would like to know when would be the best time to plant my bulbs. Also what ... A: All Tulips planted in Zone 11 are going to need 'Chilling' before you plant them, or they WILL NOT ...
reblooming an amaryllis	9/19/2007
Q: I have some bulbs I bought at Wal-greens about three years ago. They bloomed that winter. I left ... A: Terracotta makes an excellent pot for these. It breathes fresh air in and out instead of trapping ...
reblooming an amaryllis	9/18/2007
Q: I have some bulbs I bought at Wal-greens about three years ago. They bloomed that winter. I left ... A: Good question and plenty of information to work with here. Thanks for writing, Clementine! ...
Canna bulbs	9/17/2007
Q: I had to dig up my canna - lillies early before the first frost. Is this going to kill the Ryzomes? ... A: The damage is done, but the plants will probably survive. Treat them well and they will recover, ...
bulbs	9/14/2007
Q: When do I dig my gladious and dahlias bulbs in the fall A: For Dahlias, wait for the first light frost to set down in your Zone 5, and cut all remaining flower ...
Daffodil Bulbs	9/12/2007
Q: I live in upstate New York. I just dug some of my daffodil bulbs. I discovered a lot of tiny white ... A: All Bulbs are classified as 'Tunicated' or 'non-Tunicated'. Daffodils, Garlic, Onions, Tulips and ...
add mulch depth for planting bulb?	9/7/2007
Q: I am going to plant spring flowering bulbs in the fall. I would like to know if I need to add the ... A: Good question. Technically, mulch is part of the depth and you would include the thickness of the ...
Day lilies & purple iris	9/4/2007
Q: I live in Osceola,IN & i just got day lily"s & purple iris that need to be planted in my yard.How ... A: It being Summer, the high season of gardening, these plants cannot stand to be out of the soil ...
Buying bulbs on line	9/3/2007
Q: I'm looking to purchase a fair number of bulbs for planting this fall. Would you have a ... A: Hands down favorites: Brent and Beckys Bulbs (www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com) is a company that is run ...
Glads	9/1/2007
Q: This is the first season I have grown Glads, and I planted in 2 seperate locations. One did very ... A: The Associated Press posted an article on winter care of summer bulbs. You can access it here: ...
Amaryllis from seed	8/26/2007
Q: Following internet advice, I've successfully started amaryllis from seed. Now, do I give them a ... A: Water the young plants as usual, providing plenty of Sun and letting them dry out between waterings ...
daylilies	8/24/2007
Q: I just divided what I thought were daylilies. Now, I am not so sure... While digging everything ... A: There is no way to tell what you divided at this point, unfortunately, but it actually sounds like ...
digging up lilies	8/20/2007
Q: I just dug up my lily bulbs and I did it in June is this okay, they didn't bloom yet? We were ... A: Put those Lilies back in the ground asap, Jennifer. They need to be in the ground, or at least in ...
Bearded Iris	8/15/2007
Q: My home is in Florida but I have a summer home in Western North Carolina near Asheville. This is ... A: Bearded Iris are very hardy plants that really do not need a lot of attention. University of Utah ...
Stargazer Lilies	8/11/2007
Q: I am replanting the berms in my backyard. I would like to put some stargazer's in the middle berm ... A: I would be concerned mainly about the quality of a Lily bulb that has spent its Summer out of the ...
Stargazer Lilies	8/10/2007
Q: I am replanting the berms in my backyard. I would like to put some stargazer's in the middle berm ... A: What makes this such a great country is that NO American EVER understands the words 'it can't be ...
lilies	8/9/2007
Q: How often do you seperate Lily Bulbs? I stared this bed about 5 years ago and would like to spread ... A: Minnesota's North Star Lily Society posts at helpful illustrated cheat sheet on this Lily task, 'How ...
Oriental Stargazer Lilies	8/7/2007
Q: I have some Stargazers that have been great all season. When I thought they would be flowering I ... A: Having dealt with this problem this year for the first time, I was hoping to send you a treatise on ...
Planting stored lilies... in July???	7/31/2007
Q: I was asked by a coworker if lily bulbs can be planted now. It is July, we live in Upstate New York ... A: Lilies never are truly dormant. Get them in the ground YESTERDAY in the warmest, sunniest location ...
plantign spring flowering bulbs	7/28/2007
Q: will it hurt to plant spring flowering bulbs in august instead of waiting until sept. or oct. I ... A: Planting this early risks a break in dormancy, Laurie. All good things come to those who wait. You ...
Cala Lily	7/24/2007
Q: I am in zone 4. I planted my cala lily bulbs outside this spring after keeping them dormant indoors ... A: These plants need LOTS of Sun for optimal performance -- which includes flowers. They DO NOT need a ...
Canna Lilies	7/22/2007
Q: The flowering part of my canna lilies have all drooped and shriveled up. The greenery still looks ... A: How has your weather been? Lots of rain? If so, could be your Cannas got too much water, and are ...
Daylillies	7/21/2007
Q: I live on the Jersey shore coast near Pt. Pleasant and my neighborhood is next to the Jersey Pine ... A: Your soil probably boasts excellent drainage. It needs just a little fix for Daylilies to thrive: ...
right time to move Lily bulbs	7/19/2007
Q: I live in Zone 6 and want to move some of my lilies to a less crowded location. What is the best ... A: Transplanting anything should be done off-season. But only tap-rooted plants will find mid-season ...
Day Lillies	7/15/2007
Q: How soon can I cut the plants down after my day lillie's bloom Thanks Rich A: These are the long-leaved tall-stalk 'Hemerocallis' Daylilies? Leaves on many deciduous Daylilies ...
Red Hot Poker, torch liily	7/9/2007
Q: I live in Memphis TN, and planted some Torch Lillies in my perennial garden this spring. It is now ... A: Torch Lily - 'Kniphofia' to botanists - is indeed hardy in your section of the country. They're ...
transplanting iris	6/27/2007
Q: i am not sure if you are the correct person for my question. my iris are getting overgrown and i ... A: How to divide your Irises? Sure! You'll find some terrific illustrations pictures and indepth ...
Gladiolus	6/25/2007
Q: I planted about 10 gladiolus last year or the year before and this is the first year I have seen ... A: A healthy Gladiolus stalk grows from 2 to 6 feet tall, with two dozen or more flowers on a single ...
dahila bulbs	6/21/2007
Q: I bought bulbs this spring from park seed and a local garden center, they sprouted to 6"-8" and then ... A: Dahlias need warmth and light to grow. If they're still alive, they must be doing something. Do ...
transplanting iris	6/20/2007
Q: i am not sure if you are the correct person for my question. my iris are getting overgrown and i ... A: Your Iris has stopped blooming, so you can take care of this right now if you have the ability to do ...
Splitting iris bulbs	6/18/2007
Q: I live in Central Colorado and have iris' that need to be split. What time of year is the best to ... A: It's past the bloom time for Bearded Iris, so you can divide them anytime now. If you are living in ...
tulips/daffodils	6/17/2007
Q: i decided to take my bulbs out of my flower beds...and turn my beds into into shrub bearing plots ... A: Assuming these Bulbs received excellent care so far, you would have to rest them for several weeks, ...
Daffodils	6/14/2007
Q: My neighbor gave me a bunch of Daffodil bulbs a couple weeks ago, some with the green leaves on ... A: Do not freeze your Daffodils. Now that the foliage has dried up, take them OUT of the water and put ...
daffodils got dug up	6/13/2007
Q: LOCATION: Central Indiana - 46123 Just yesterday, I had to dig up some daf's while removing thick ... A: If they're not dormant -- doesn't sound like any of them are even close to that -- get those back in ...
tulips in Florida	6/12/2007
Q: what do you do with tulip bulbs in Florida for the following growing season. I bought some in pots, ... A: Get those OUT of the pots and dust/dry them off, then put them in a paper bag and store in your ...
DAY LILLIES	6/7/2007
Q: I HAVE ABOUT 75 LILLIES I NEED TO MOVE.WOULD IT BE OK TO DID THEM UP NOW PUT THEM IN 3 GAL POTS ... A: Hemerocallis is one tough plant. This is not ideal, but if you do everything right, they most ...
Torch Lily (Red Hot Poker)	6/5/2007
Q: I am a major gardening rookie and I have read everywhere that I am supposed to remove the faded ... A: Ali, If there are no leaves on the stalk, you can remove the stalk or branch. The reason we do that ...
transplant stargazer lilies mid season	6/3/2007
Q: My star gazer lilies are just nearing bloom. they are in a place where I need to transplant them ... A: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice practice practice. How do you transplant blooming ...
daffodils	5/31/2007
Q: when can you transplant daffodils and how? A: Daffodils -- 'Narcissus' -- can be transplanted after the foliage dies down and the flowers are ...
Planting Stargzer Lilies	5/29/2007
Q: How deep should stargzer bulbs be planted in what type of soil?? ANSWER: Basic rule of thumb for ... A: Stargazer is an Oriental Lily hybrid. It grows best at a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Pine needles and humus ...
Planting Stargzer Lilies	5/27/2007
Q: How deep should stargzer bulbs be planted in what type of soil?? A: Basic rule of thumb for all bulbs: Plant 3 times the depth of the bulb. That's the easy part. ...
Tulips And Daffodil Problems.	5/26/2007
Q: Zip Code 01568. My wife and I planted tulips and daffodils about 3 three years ago. We planted ... A: ESPECIALLY the Tulips -- you hit the nail on the head there, Domenic. Most of those Tulips -- I ...
stargazer lillies	5/24/2007
Q: are they perrenial or anuals can you replant them in your yard i have a huge pot of lillies that i ... A: We don't know yet though if you can grow them. They need a cold spell. Depends on where you live, ...
Oriental Lilies	5/23/2007
Q: We have to move several clumps of lilies because of drainage work that has to be done along the side ... A: This move is going to be VERY stressful no matter how you handle it because the Lilies are growing ...
tulip bulbs	5/21/2007
Q: How long can I store tulips bulbs before planting? A: Let me guess -- you didn't plant them last year, now you have the same ones left over. GET THEM IN ...
Cana Lilies	5/18/2007
Q: I live in a Zone 4. A friend gave me a bunch of Cana Lillie Bulbs last year. That friend is no ... A: Take a deep breath, Anita! Cannas are EASY as 1-2-3. Let's take a look at the University of ...
Gladioli regrowth	5/17/2007
Q: I planted gladioli bulbs last spring and forgot to remove the bulbs in the late fall. Now they are ... A: Yes, the Glads are full of surprises. If you had lifted them last year, you could have divided them ...
iris	5/16/2007
Q: I live in West Palm Beach, Fl (zone 10) and I was wondering if there is any type of iris that can ... A: It seems like no matter where you go, there are gardeners who want to do things that can't be done. ...
Tulip bulbs received for uncle's funeral in May - can I still make them grow in Southern Indiana?	5/15/2007
Q: I just received some tulips from my uncle's funeral last week that I very much would like to keep ... A: Give them a shot, Michelle. What do you have to lose? Cut off the fading blossoms, first of all. ...
Dutch iris didn't bloom	5/14/2007
Q: 2 1/2 years ago in November I bought this home. I moved a bunch of dutch iris to the side of the ... A: Dutch Iris are fickle, as so many beautiful things are. Moisture is a problem. Depth is a problem. ...
Stargazer Lilly	5/13/2007
Q: I live in the Orlando area and for Mother's day I received a pot full of Stargazer Lillies. I would ... A: What makes this such a great country is that no American EVER understands the words 'it can't be ...
Putting rocks in bottom of bulb hole	5/10/2007
Q: I read that it was good to put pebbles or rocks at the bottom of your lily bulb holes for drainage ... A: The rockybottom exercise was conceived years ago. Someone came up with the idea that if you put ...
bulbs	5/8/2007
Q: Recently I pulled some Daffodil bulbs out of the scrap heap. It is early May.Can I plant directly ... A: Well since I have the oppotunity to elaborate, let me point out that if they do bloom, or even if ...
bulbs	5/8/2007
Q: Recently I pulled some Daffodil bulbs out of the scrap heap. It is early May.Can I plant directly ... A: Quick like a bunny get those Daffodils in some deep clay pots and refrigerate. Growing medium: Half ...
Tulips	5/7/2007
Q: What kind of animal steals Tulips? Mine are blooming and something is getting in my garden and ... A: You would be AMAZED at how many rodents are Tulip Lovers. I know someone who says Deer love to ...
When do Lilies Come Up?	5/6/2007
Q: I planted both Asiatic and Oriental lilies around April 13, bulbs, in zone 4. When should I expect ... A: Had you planted your Lilies last Fall, they would be rearing their stalks through the soil just ...
Daffodils & Tulips	5/5/2007
Q: I want to move some bulbs after blooming. Can I just transplant them leaves and all? Zone8 A: Any time you move a plant -- bulbs, flowers, trees, anything with roots -- you wipe out the tiny ...
Tulip bulbs	5/4/2007
Q: I live in Washington state (98367). This is the first year I have grown tulips. Now that they are ... A: It is my understanding that the State of Washington has a LOT of rain. True? Rain is bad for ...
Iris	5/2/2007
Q: Our zip code is 23430. We will be moving this winter February and would like to know how I can ... A: What kind of Iris are you growing, Judy? Dutch Iris Bulbs can be lifted easily, dried in the ...
planting bulbs in pots	5/1/2007
Q: I would like to plant tulip and daffodil bulbs in pots. When is the best time to do this? Do I ... A: Tulips and Daffodils can be planted, but they do not flower well during the summer. The heat is way ...
Tulips	4/30/2007
Q: I live in Staten Island and leave my tulip bulbs in the ground to winter over. I did not see tulip ... A: Your missing Tulips may have been stolen, Mitch. There should be SOME sign of life there. Squirrels ...
Gladiolus	4/29/2007
Q: I just planted some gladiolus bulbs yesterday and the package I got them out of said to have them ... A: Where are these people getting this information? OF COURSE you can bloom your Gladiolas this year. ...
tulip bulbs-whether to plant or store	4/26/2007
Q: It is April 25 in Virginia and I collected up bulbs from tulips that were dug up immediately after ... A: Tsk, tsk, Luben. Never cut off leaves and then ask the AllExpert later what you should do. Those ...
When can I plant my tulips	4/25/2007
Q: I live in Atlanta, Georgia (grow zone 7) and I am new to this "gardening" experience. I recently ... A: Michigan Bulb Company should not be sending you Tulip bulbs now. Even on sale, these should be ...
how to save daffodil bulbs	4/24/2007
Q: Over Easter weekend my family visited with my father-in-law and he told us he thought the daffodils ... A: Are we feeling a little conflicted here about these Daffodils, Bonnie? Pass the Kleenex -- Your ...
amaryllis plant	4/23/2007
Q: On my plant after blooming, one of the flower stalks (after I removed the dead flowers) formed like ... A: Amaryllis Seeds appear in shrunken pods. And yes, you can harvest and sow them. The usual ...
non blooming bulbs	4/22/2007
Q: I live just north of Philadelphia, PA (zip 19090) and every year my children give me pots of ... A: Tulips are notorious non-bloomers, and the ones we purchase in pots are no different. You would not ...
Daffodils	4/21/2007
Q: My wife received several potted daffodils for Easter. Rather than let these beautiful flowers go to ... A: A deep hole with great drainage isn't difficult -- just make sure the sand is in hthe 80 percent ...
Planting in shade	4/19/2007
Q: We have moved to Los Lunas, NM, 87031 (just south of Albuquerque). My house faces north. What can I ... A: This question makes me nervous, but I'll give it my best shot. What worries me is your comment about ...
Bearded Iris	4/18/2007
Q: I transplanted some iris two summers ago.About 24 rhizomes. Last summer there were no blooms. I ... A: Sounds like the slow section is distracted by other challenges, Julie -- same sun? same soil? same ...
no blossoms on crocus and daffodils	4/15/2007
Q: zone 3-4, in the past three years my crocus and daffodils quit blossoming, a lot of my crocus never ... A: We all know the great anticipation -- spring seems to take forever, then one morning we see the ...
Moving and Want to take Bulbs with me	4/14/2007
Q: I am moving, and I spent a good amount of money on Tulip, Grape Hyacinth, anemone, crocus, and ... A: Of the bulbs you listed, Courtney, the Tulips are least like to repeat perform next spring and they ...
Daffodil Bulbs	4/13/2007
Q: I was given daffodils for Easter...The blooms have wilted...What do I do now?....I want to replant ... A: First I am assuming these Daffodils were not stems and flowers only? They included the Bulb? Sorry ...
Question about bulbs and ground heat	4/12/2007
Q: I live in Southeast Florida. I planted bulbs in the front of our building. We had two 3 ft x 10 ft. ... A: Any moisture under that Fire Escape? How hot is the soil? Those glads BOTH have lots of soil? If ...
weather problems	4/10/2007
Q: I'm in Kentucky- I think that's zone 7 if I remember correctly (40146 is my zip). Normally at this ... A: Up and down the Eastern Seaboard, down the Midwest, over to Canada, this weather is driving ...
Stargazer Lillies	4/9/2007
Q: I just purchased a Stargazer Lillie and notice the soil is producing little flies. I killed a few of ... A: You need to pick up a few yellow sticky traps at the garden center, Lori. These are cards, painted ...
TULIPS	4/8/2007
Q: I;ve lived in my home for 11 years, the tulips bloomed beautifully for the first few years. Now they ... A: Yes, Rita, given that Tulips as a Genus are scientifically Perennial plants, you would expect them ...
pain in the bottom bulbs!	4/6/2007
Q: I have a small stretch in my garden where i have pulled out all green stuff and laid a membrane and ... A: Aaron, you have GOT to be writing from Merry Olde England. Because I have no clue whatsoever what ...
Canna Lillies	4/5/2007
Q: I live on the west coast of BC Canada. I think its zone 8 and I just bought some canna lily bulbs it ... A: Last I saw, British Columbia was still on the same side of the Equator as New York. You're heading ...
INDOOR TULIPS	4/4/2007
Q: I purchased some indoor tulips at Costco this year which have bloomed and are currently dying back. ... A: Who can blame you for wanting to save those Tulips for another spring? People can spend a small ...
Gladiola bulbs	4/3/2007
Q: I live in Staten Island and recently planted gladiola bulbs. Unfortunately, the package didn't tell ... A: You can start planting your Glads as soon as you can get a shovel in the ground -- maybe even now. ...
daffodills	4/2/2007
Q: How long do daffodils bloom in the spring? A: Depending on temperature and cultivar, a Daffodil bloom will last between 10 days and 3 weeks. It ...
tulip bulbs in san diego ??	3/31/2007
Q: I am originaly from the east coast. I live in San Diego now, and am REALLY unfamilir with what ... A: Holy moly, what is it with people in San Diego and Tulips? As I mentioned to someone a few weeks ...
tulips	3/31/2007
Q: we had some indoor bulbs, they were beautiful but now they are finished blooming. Is there anyway to ... A: This is, unfortunately, not the way Mother Nature works. Tulips bloom one to a customer in the ...
Tulip Bulbs	3/30/2007
Q: I live in Sugar Land, TX where it is already warm and the summers are hot. I just received some ... A: Tulip genes evolved through the millenia in cold, high altitudes, with snow, where temperatures ...
daffodils	3/30/2007
Q: Last year I did not dig up my daffodil bulbs. They came up at the end of Jan, first of Feb. but ... A: These are the BEST kinds of Daffodils, Linda, and not enough people grow them. Growing that long ...
Gladiola bulbs	3/30/2007
Q: I've have looked everywhere tonight about planting glads - please, can you tell me which side of the ... A: You're absolutely right about the "extra energy" needed to turn around the bulbs, but that won't ...
Tulips	3/30/2007
Q: I lose tulips at a high rate due to pocket gophers. I trap them, but there is a pasture behind my ... A: This is a hard one. But I think I have your answer. Before I forget, though, let me mention that ...
daffodils	3/29/2007
Q: Last year I did not dig up my daffodil bulbs. They came up at the end of Jan, first of Feb. but ... A: The price we pay for growing Early Early Early Daffodils is the cliffhangers we live through every ...
tulips	3/29/2007
Q: Do the bulbs need to be dug after flowering,or can the stay in place year after year? Regardless of ... A: If this is Tulips only, I have to point out something that the Catalogs don't make crystal clear: ...
Star Gazer Lilies	3/29/2007
Q: Last spring I had three Star Gazer Lilies to come up in the corner of my patio, one pink and s white ... A: Hold your horses, Mildred. It's too early for Lilies to come up! The Tulips are barely out of the ...
Tulips	3/28/2007
Q: For the first time in about 35 yrs., some of my tulips, the stems were so thin, it would not hold up ... A: Torrential rains in autumn would likely contribute to root growth and, if drainage is a problem, to ...
planting bulbs	3/28/2007
Q: i would like to plant flowers but am unsure of what and when to plant them in Michigan. zone 6 A: What a perfect name for a gardener: Sunnie. Must keep that in mind for my next born child. ...
Gladiola bulbs	3/28/2007
Q: I've have looked everywhere tonight about planting glads - please, can you tell me which side of the ... A: First things first: Don't worry about "up" or "down" so much. The bulbs always "right" themselves. ...
tuberose	3/28/2007
Q: I just received a group of tuberose. I can't plant until this weekend, do I put them in water or in ... A: Do not put them anywhere, Sandy. Keep them dry -- unless they are already sprouting. These bulbs ...
Stargazer Lilies	3/27/2007
Q: I live in Texas. Zipe code 79601. I recieved some already cut stargazer lilies in a floral ... A: Jenetta, you are so lucky -- flowers? Happy Birthday! Mine was March 25th. Aries! The best ...
Gladiola Bulbs	3/26/2007
Q: What time of year should I plant my Gladiola bulbs? I live in Washington state, zip code 98024? A: As soon as the ground can be worked, you can blow the whistle and start digging. But... Many ...
daffadils	3/24/2007
Q: when should i fertilize my old daffadils A: Assuming your Daffodils are growing in terrific soil, a little Superphosphate applied right until ...
Tulip Bulbs	3/23/2007
Q: I moved my tulip bulbs last Fall and yesterday I noticed that I must have missed about 6 of them and ... A: Move them now if you can work the ground, be careful with the roots and get them right back in the ...
cana lily bulb planting	3/23/2007
Q: in SE Wisconsin, when and how do I plant the bulbs I saved from last year A: As you know, Cannas can't handle a winter in your Zone 5 climate, so you are right on the money for ...
tet a tet's	3/22/2007
Q: my dear friend, im'e sorry i forgot you are on the other side of the pond, in England tet a tet's ... A: Ah ha! THOSE tete-a-tetes!!!! Yes, I know them well. It would not be spring without them. If ...
short flowering tulips	3/20/2007
Q: I am a passionate lover of tulips and have been planting successfully for the last five years. I ... A: You are on the right track when you wondered about the warm, wet winter, Pauline. Gardeners in the ...
bulb storage	3/20/2007
Q: I live in Columbia SC and am moving to Asheville NC. I have many bulbs planted in the yard that I ... A: Richele, Are you moving NOW? You're digging them, roots and all, pre-move? These are spring bulbs ...
Tulip bulbs in a pot	3/9/2007
Q: What do you do with them after they flower? Do you cut the stems off and keep them watered if you ... A: First, the good news: There is a chance you can re-bloom your Tulips. Bad news: Most Tulips, ...
keeping tulip bulbs	3/7/2007
Q: How do I (in Houston, Tx) preserve my tulip bulbs (from an arrangement) in order to plant them next ... A: Most Tulips, unfortunately, won't ever bloom again as beautifully as they did the first time you saw ...
digging up and storing bulbs	3/5/2007
Q: How long should you wait to dig up a bulb after it has bloomed and how do you store them? I mainly ... A: Don't dig up ANYTHING until the leaves have withered!!!!! Tulips are tricky and not reliably ...
tulip bulbs	3/5/2007
Q: a friend gave me a beautiful tulip for a gift. The flowers are now gone. I understand that ... A: This is unfortunately probably true, that you will not have much luck in the future with this one ...
Iris Cleaning?	3/5/2007
Q: I recently purchased several iris bulbs over the internet on EBAY, and when I received them they ... A: Soaking Iris in a dilute water-bleach solution is standard procedure, sometimes just as a ...
tulip bloom timing and rain concerns	2/28/2007
Q: yes i pre-chilled them for over a month, and i believe they were chilled before purchase. so too ... A: I am a little too fast sometimes, I get carried away. Sun is GREAT! Rain is GREAT! Drainage is ...
tulip bloom timing and rain concerns	2/27/2007
Q: i'm in the sf bay area (94610) and earlier this month i planted a few hundred tulip bulbs in pots ... A: The worst case scenario here, Vicki, would be that they "blasted" from heat. The temperature should ...
tulips	2/24/2007
Q: I am in San Antonio, TX - I received a tulip plant for Valentine's Day, and I do not know how to ... A: Melissa, I wish I had better news, but Tulips just won't grow in San Antonio. The good news of ...
tulips	2/23/2007
Q: I received a pot of already-blooming pink tulips for Valentines. I pray it was not a waste simply ... A: I'm guessing you want to keep your Tulips and get it to bloom again next year, Ptera? I don't blame ...
tulips	2/20/2007
Q: someone gave me a pot of tulips and now that the flowers are gone. what do i do with the bulbs? my ... A: So you want to grow Tulips in South Carolina? Tricky. Not guaranteed to grow - but worth a shot. ...
2-3yrsTuberoses not blooming	2/17/2007
Q: Can you suggest a brand name for the fertilizer best for tuberoses?I bought 5bulbs which probably ... A: Best fertilizer here is going to be good old American sunshine - as much as possible. If this was a ...
Stargazers	2/17/2007
Q: .. I do really appreciate it. :) Sorry if I'm too insistent in asking questions about my plant. I've ... A: Don't worry about asking too many questions about this, Frances. That's what we're here for! ...
2-3yrsTuberoses not blooming	2/15/2007
Q: I bought tuberoses from one of the popular shopping channels about 2-3yrs back. I've planted them in ... A: I had the same problem as you, Malabika, and I got so desperate I called Ralph Snodsmith on the ...
Stargazers	2/15/2007
Q: I'm Frances from Philippines. I bought a star gazer plant on a pot last december of 2006. The ... A: My father was there in WWII, I have his Navy photo taken on a front Porch by a Philippine ...
Amaryllis	2/14/2007
Q: My husband bought me a beautiful Amaryllis for Valentines Day. It still has 3 buds yet unopened, ... A: How sweet he is! These are gorgeous, aren't they? Put your dazzling Valentines Amaryllis in the ...
forcing tulip bulbs	2/14/2007
Q: I want tulips in pots outdoors, I have not yet planted any. Can I just plant them in the spring and ... A: Rachelle, If you want to "force" bulbs, which is what your project is called, you have missed the ...
Mold on Canna bulbs	2/13/2007
Q: To answer your questions: 1)The mold is mostly white or light grey. 2)After I dug them up I did let ... A: Any below-freezing exposure would probably do at least some injury to your Cannas. How much damage ...
Mold on Canna bulbs	2/11/2007
Q: For the first time ever I stored by cannas bulbs in a public storage unit instead of my basement. ... A: You didn't describe the color of the mold or your pre-storage measures. Were these stored without ...
storing amarillas bulb	2/11/2007
Q: It didn't bloom this year have 2 24" leaves now. Am moving and want to take it with me. HELP! ... A: No problem, Denise. Keep it in the pot and put it in a box with protection like you were moving your ...
deadheading tulips	2/10/2007
Q: i'm new at the whole gardening thing...i am just curious