Flowering bulbs for Georgia gardens
for the class. Avian influenza can be very potentially damaging virus for poultry. The threat will be more of a problem in the fall and winter and even into next spring due to potential migratory bird transmission and the cooler temperatures. Areas to be covered are current status of avian influenza, how to tell if your birds are sick, what do you do if you have sick birds and poultry flock biosecurity basics. You can R. S. V. P. by calling Gordon County Extension at 706-629-8685 or email gbowman@ uga. edu.
Now, I would like to shift gears to our topic of the day. Bulb plants can add so much to a landscape with their variety of shapes and colors. I will be sharing information from a UGA publication by Dr. Paul Thomas, Dr. Gary Wade and Bodie Pennisi, UGA Horticulturists.
First, you will need to investigate your area and look for potential sites to plant your bulbs. If you are particularly interested in planting more spring flowering bulbs, you need an area that is more light shade to full sun. Keep in mind the area needs to give six to 10 hours of sunlight per day to be suitable. Note that most spring flowering bulbs will bloom prior to leafing out by deciduous trees. Most of the time, they will get enough sun if under the sun block of tree foliage.
The summer flowering bulbs can be variable on sunlight. You need to plant the summer bloomers in spots where you know they will get the recommended amount of sunlight. Too little light can end with poor flowering too much sunlight can bleach out the flower and foliage. Also keep in mind that you want the bulbs to be planted so they will show off your property.
Keep in mind that correct planting time is important for bulb success. Right now is the time to be making your selections on the spring flowering bulbs since you plant them in the fall. In most areas, spring flowering bulbs need be planted from October to December. If you have to wait a few weeks to plant after purchase, you need to store the bulbs in a dry area that stays between 60- 65 degrees F. Higher temperatures can actually damage the bulb buds. Many spring flowering bulbs do require a 12- 16 week cold period before planting. This could require storing in the bottom of the refrigerator at 40- 50 degrees F in the ventilated packages. You will need to do your homework where you buy bulbs to see if yours have been pre- cooled or if you will need to give them a cold period. In the case of summer flowering bulbs, you will need to plant these bulbs in spring after the fear of last frost has passed. The last frost chance in our area is traditionally middle April in Gordon County. Also note that you will need to research proper planting depth and correct bulb spacing for the particular bulb you are planting.
Mulch can be helpful for bulb gardens. Mulch helps by giving some winter protection and also can keep wet soil from getting on the flowers and spoiling them due to heavy rainfall. Your mulch material options can range from fallen leaves to pine straw and bark. Finally, many people will worry about cold damage due to late freezes in spring on bulbs that are already in bloom. According to our data there is no effective means of providing cold protection once the bulbs are blooming. You can have some years where a cold snap can damage some bulbs, but for the most part the bulbs can handle some cold weather. There are a lot of bulbs on the market so do your homework. Think about if you want spring or summer flowering bulbs and make sure you are planting your bulbs at the right time of year.
Also consider plant height at planting, flower color and other particular bulb characteristics. Contact our office if you need more information at 706- 629- 8685 or email gbowman@uga.edu.