Top 10 Summer Flowering Bulbs
Dahlia Classic Bishop of Llandaff
Site
Any well drained, good, garden soil in a sunny site.
Plant
March-May indoors. Outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
Planting
Plant 15cm(6in) deep and 45-90cm(18-36in) apart.
Cultivation
For early flowers start tubers into growth, in gentle warmth, in trays of compost from March-April onwards. Pot on as necessary. Harden off and plant outside after the risk of frost has passed. Keep well watered at all stages of growth. For best results use good quality compost and feed plants regularly. In open or windy sites tall varieties will benefit from staking. Remove dead blooms to prolong the flowering season.
All dahlias make good cutflowers. Wait until the flowers are fully open as cut blooms will not open in water.
Lily Stargazer Oriental
Site
Any well drained soil in sun or part shade. Lilies will benefit from the soil being enriched with well rotted organic matter at planting time. Also suitable for containers and pots. Taller varieties may require support.
Plant
Autumn or Spring as soon as possible after purchase, 30-60cm(12-24in) apart and 15cm(6in) deep.
Planting
For early flowers start bulbs into growth in trays of compost indoors. Pot on as necessary and plant out after frosts. Alternatively plant straight out into borders. Keep well watered and feed to prolong flowering display. After flowering remove faded blooms and let the stems die back. Bulbs should not be lifted but left in the ground to flower for many years.
All lilies make good cut flowers. Cut blooms when they are fully open as they do not open in water.
Lily pollen may stain.
Nerine Bowdenii Red
Site
Sheltered borders in full sun. Also excellent in patio pots or tubs.
Plant
April to May.
Planting
10cm(4in) deep and 15cm(6in) apart.
Cultivation
For best results plant in full sun in sheltered spots. In warm areas the bulbs can be planted shallowly with the tip of the bulb at soil level. In cold areas some winter protection should be given, covering with a mulch of organic matter is ideal.
Nerines make excellent long lasting cut flowers in Autumn.
Begonia Double Red
Site
Any well drained soil in sun or part shade. Also excellent in containers. At planting time add some granular fertiliser for the best results.
Plant
March-May. Plant the tubers, hollow side uppermost, to half their depth in trays of damp compost. Maintain a temperature of 16-18°C (60-70°F) and shade from strong sunlight.
Planting
When 4-6 leaves have developed transplant into 13cm(5in) pots of potting compost and water regularly. Gradually accustom to outdoor temperatures for two weeks before planting out in late May or June after the risk of frost has passed. Plant into baskets or tubs or 20cm(8in) apart for bedding.
Growing On
Water well in dry weather and apply liquid feed to container grown plants through the flowering season. Reduce watering at the end of the season and store the dry tubers in a frost free place for the next season.
Agapanthus Blue Giant
Site
Any well drained soil in sun or part shade. Also excellent in containers. At planting time add some granular fertiliser for good summer displays.
Plant
March-May.
Planting
15cm(6in) deep and 30cm(12in) apart. This easy to grow plant requires warmth, sunshine and a plentiful supply of water when growing strongly. Plant in mixed borders where they will receive some shelter. Remove faded flowers and let stems die back in the Autumn. A mulch of organic matter over the crown of the plant will give some protection against frost. Plants in containers should be brought into a shed or garage during the winter and kept virtually dry.
Dahlia Pompon (Tall) Mixed
Site
Any well drained, good, garden soil in a sunny site.
Plant
March-May indoors. Outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
Planting
Plant 15cm(6in) deep and 45-90cm(18-36in) apart.
Cultivation
For early flowers start tubers into growth, in gentle warmth, in trays of compost from March-April onwards. Pot on as necessary. Harden off and plant outside after the risk of frost has passed. Keep well watered at all stages of growth. For best results use good quality compost and feed plants regularly. In open or windy sites tall varieties will benefit from staking. Remove dead blooms to prolong the flowering season.
All dahlias make good cutflowers. Wait until the flowers are fully open as cut blooms will not open in water.
Freesia Tall Single Mixed
Site
A sheltered location where flowers can be protected from the sun during the hottest part of the day, is ideal. Soil must be well-drained with plenty of peat and sand added. A peat based compost is ideal for pot culture.
Plant
Indoors: September to November, plant 5 bulbs per 12cm(5in) pot, 2cm(1in) deep and 2cm(1in) apart
Outdoors: From mid-April when the frosts are over, plant 5cm(2in) apart, 5cm(2in) deep.
Cultivation
Keep soil moist during the growing period and insert strong twigs among them to keep the stems upright. Corms are not hardy; only on the Scilly and Channel Islands can they be left in the soil.
Hints and tips
Freesias are usually grown for cutting as their blooms are famously fragrant.
Gladioli Large Flowered Queen of the Night
Site
Any good garden soil, preferably in full sun with protection from strong winds.
Plant
April-June at intervals of two weeks for a succession of flowers for cutting and garden displays.
Planting
10cm(4in) deep and 10cm(4in) apart.
Cultivation
For best results plant corms in groups of five or more in the mixed border. Provide support in exposed locations, and water well in dry weather. If growing for cut flowers, cut flower spikes when the bottom floret starts to open.
For early flowers gladioli can be started into growth indoors and planted out after the risk of frost has passed.
Gladioli Large Flowered Dwarf Mixed
Site
Any good garden soil, preferably in full sun with protection from strong winds.
Plant
April-June at intervals of two weeks for a succession of flowers for cutting and garden displays.
Planting
10cm(4in) deep and 10cm(4in) apart.
Cultivation
For best results plant corms in groups of five or more in the mixed border. Provide support in exposed locations, and water well in dry weather. If growing for cut flowers, cut flower spikes when the bottom floret starts to open.
For early flowers gladioli can be started into growth indoors and planted out after the risk of frost has passed.
Lily Oriental Mona Lisa
Site
Ideal for containers and pots. Also suitable for any well drained soil in sun or part shade. Lilies will benefit from the soil being enriched with well rotted organic matter at planting time.
Plant
For pots and containers plant March-May indoors. Outdoors after the risk of frost has passed. Plant 15cm(6in) deep and 30cm(1ft) apart if planting into the border.
Planting
For early flowers start bulbs into growth in trays of compost indoors. Pot on as necessary and plant out after frosts. Alternatively plant straight out into borders when the danger of frost has passed. Keep well watered and feed to prolong flowering display.
All lilies make good cut flowers. Cut blooms when they are fully open as they do not open in water.
Lily pollen may stain.
