As the weather warms and the days grow longer, it's the perfect time to start planning your summer garden. Planting summer bulbs like Dahlia, Gladioli, Lilly of the valley and Peonies now will ensure a stunning display of colour throughout the hot months. These beautiful flowers bring elegance and vibrant hues to any garden, making them a must-have for summer.In this blog, we’ll guide you through planting these summer bulbs and highlight the arrival of new spring and summer flowering Petunias and Marigolds at Harmony.
1. Dahlia
Dahlias are a gardener's favourite for their incredible variety of colours, shapes, and sizes. From small pom-poms to large dinner-plate varieties, there’s a dahlia for every garden style.
- Planting: Dahlia prefer a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Plant the tubers about 10-15 cm deep, with the eye (the growing point) facing up. Space them about 45-60 cm apart, depending on the variety.
- Care: Dahlia need regular watering, especially during dry spells, but be careful not to overwater. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. As they grow, taller varieties may need staking to support the heavy blooms.
- Feeding: Position your plant and backfill the planting hole, adding a handful of Seamungus on top of the soil and watering in well with GOGO Juice. These products contain seaweed, which will help overcome transplant shock. Once your plant is in, mulch with Whoflungdung to protect its roots, retain moisture in the soil and regulate temperature. Feed your dahlia with a balanced fertiliser once they start growing. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
2. Gladioli
Gladioli, with their tall, striking spikes of flowers, are perfect for adding height and drama to your garden. They come in a wide range of colours, making them a versatile choice for any garden bed.
- Planting: Gladiolus corms should be planted about 10cm deep and spaced 15cm apart. For a continuous display, plant a few corms every couple of weeks from now until early summer.
- Care: Gladioli thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained soil. Water regularly but avoid waterlogged conditions. Like dahlia, taller gladioli may require staking to prevent the stems from toppling over in strong winds.
- Feeding:Position your plant and backfill the planting hole, adding a handful of Seamungus on top of the soil and watering in well with GOGO Juice. These products contain seaweed, which will help overcome transplant shock. Once your plant is in, mulch with Whoflungdung to protect its roots, retain moisture in the soil and regulate temperature.
3. Peony
Peonies are beloved for their lush, fragrant blooms and long lifespan. Although they take a bit longer to establish, peonies reward your patience with spectacular flowers year after year.
- Planting: Peony tubers should be planted with the eyes (buds) just 2-5 cm below the soil surface. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Peonies do not like to be disturbed, so choose their location carefully.
- Care: Water peonies regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Feeding: Peonies benefit from a yearly application of compost or a balanced fertiliser in early spring. Position your plant and backfill the planting hole, adding a handful of Seamungus on top of the soil and watering in well with GOGO Juice. These products contain seaweed, which will help overcome transplant shock. Once your plant is in, mulch with Whoflungdung to protect its roots, retain moisture in the soil and regulate temperature.
New Arrivals: Spring and Summer Flowering Petunias and Marigolds
In addition to planting summer bulbs, it’s also the perfect time to add some Petunias and Marigolds to your garden. These classic annuals are now available at Harmony Garden Centre and are ready to bring a burst of colour to your beds, borders, and containers.
- Petunias are known for their long-lasting blooms and come in a dazzling array of colours and patterns. They’re perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and garden beds.
- Marigolds are hardy, sun-loving plants that are easy to grow. Their bright yellow, orange, and red blooms are not only eye-catching but also great for repelling garden pests.
Both petunias and marigolds are ideal companions for your summer bulbs, filling in the gaps and adding continuous colour to your garden.
Get Ready for a Colourful Summer
Whether you’re planting dahlia, gladioli, peonies, or adding vibrant petunias and marigolds, now is the time to prepare your garden for a spectacular summer display. Visit Harmony Garden Centre to pick up your summer bulbs and explore our new arrivals of spring and summer flowering annuals. Our team is here to help you with any advice you need to make your garden bloom beautifully this season.
Happy Gardening!