Time to Plant Summer Blooming Bulbs

When we talk about bulbs for the garden, we often think about spring-blooming standards such as crocus, tulips and daffodils. These are hardy bulbs. We plant them in the fall and with just a little maintenance, enjoy their colorful displays spring after spring.

There is another group of bulbs which planted now, will add dramatic color to your summer and early fall garden. This includes Canna Lilies, Asiatic Lilies, Oriental Lilies, Gladiolus, Dahlias and Tuberous Begonias. With the exception of Asiatic and Oriental lilies, these are non-hardy bulbs, meaning they require special attention at the end of the blooming season. That said, the extra work is worth the effort, giving the long-blooming habits of these bulbs. Going forward, what we're generically calling "bulbs", also includes tubers, corms and rhizomes, as noted. Before planting, amend your soil with compost and peat moss, then dig in some Bone Meal or Dutch Bulb Food, to feed your bulbs as they grow.

Grown from bulbs, Asiatic and Oriental lilies are the hardiest of all the lily hybrids. 

If you planted some last year you may see them poking through the ground already. Once they are established in your garden, they'll produce showy blooms for many years. Asiatic lilies multiply and spread through the garden very quickly. Oriental lilies won't spread out as rapidly as Asiatic lilies, but they tend to be more fragrant. Plant Asiatic and Oriental Lilies three times as deep as the height of the bulb, with the flat side down.

Canna lilies feature attractive green, bronze or variegated foliage, in addition to their flowers.  Cannas do well in garden beds and containers. The canna “bulb” is actually a rhizome. Plant cannas about 6" deep and about 18" apart.

Dahlias are grown from tubers and come in a wide variety of colors.

Plant dahlias only as deep as the crown and include a strong stake to tie your dahlia stalks to. Dahlias will bring color to your garden from late summer to first frost.

For more late summer and fall color, plant gladiolus.

Gladiolus “bulbs” are called corms. Plant your corms about 3" deep and 4" to 5" apart.

Tuberous begonias make incredible displays of color in a shady spot on your patio. They can be planted in containers, hanging baskets or directly in the garden. Cannas, dahlias, glads and begonias will not survive our winters. If you want to keep them year to year, they have to be dug up and stored. Your other option is to treat them as annuals and replace them every year.  Summer bulbs tend to sell out early, so it’s best to shop now to get the best selection.