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San Diego, California. - More answers to the questions most frequently asked at nurseries.

Q. I’ve had trouble getting my bulbs to flower after their first season. What steps should I take to assure the bulbs I plant outdoors this summer will flower?

A. Bulbs are a special type perennial that hold a reserve of nutrients allowing the plant to survive underground until the right combination of moisture and soil temperature trigger bloom. When planting bulbs outdoors, make sure they are in soil that drains well but also retains enough water. Dig a hole three times as deep as the bulb’s diameter and add a small amount of fertilizer to the bottom of the hole. Fertilizers with controlled-release nitrogen are most effective, especially if this is not the bulb’s first season. Cover the fertilizer with about two inches of soil, and then place the bulb in the hole, recover with soil and thoroughly soak the area with water. It is important to soak the bulb periodically until it is finished blooming since the roots grow down from the bulb. If you plant bulbs this summer, consider meadow saffron, crocus, cyclamen, spider lily, or sternbergia lutea.



Q. What annuals are in bloom this summer season?

A. Since annuals complete their life cycle in a year or less it is important to plant them at the right time. Annuals that bloom in the summer season include dianthus, salvia, marigolds, verbena, petunias, morning glory, madagascar periwinkle, and Mexican sunflower. These annuals are less likely to be killed by summer heat, but it is important they have enough time before the weather becomes too hot to establish roots. To keep them blooming remember to water, fertilize and groom your annuals.



Q. With summer right around the corner, what precautions should I take with my landscape to reduce the chances of a wildfire destroying my property?

A. If you live in an area susceptible to wildfires, you should maintain a clear space between your home and any vegetation. For the many of us with beautifully landscaped yards, this is often not the case, yet plant choice is extremely important. Low-growing ground covers or non-woody perennials are good choices, such as gazania, poppy or yarrow. They feature low fuel volume, high moisture content, aridity tolerance, and have deep-rooting habits.



Q. I love the flowers in my garden but want to enjoy them indoors. What are good flowers for cutting?

A. Why go to the flower stand to purchase a bouquet of fresh flowers when you can grow them in your garden? Garden gladiolus comes in a variety of colors from white to red to lavender and green with individual blooms growing to 8 inches and stems to 4-5 feet tall. Liatris spicata, are showy plants with tall, narrow stems topped with fluffy flower heads in white to rose purple. Due to their scanty, narrow foliage, pink and white everlasting are good choices for filler in a bouquet. Other choices include sweet pea, marigold, and daffodil. Mix and match plants to create your own unique bouquet.



Q. No matter how much I water my lawn, I cannot keep it green. What am I doing wrong?

A. Watering your lawn is extremely important to encourage deep rooting, but the frequency at which you should water depends on your climate. For mild climates watering twice per week is usually sufficient. If a screwdriver poked in the soil penetrates easily, you will know your lawn is getting enough water. The key, however, to a great-looking lawn comes from fertilizing regularly with a high-nitrogen fertilizer and mowing regularly to keep the lawn healthy. Try spreading lawn clippings on the lawn to decompose and add some nitrogen to the soil.



Miramar Wholesale Nurseries is Southern California’s leading supplier of landscape plant material and supplies. MWN grows a wide variety of perennials, shrubs, and trees at each of its three locations for projects in and around the region. The fully stocked will-call facilities in San Diego, Irvine/Lake Forest, and San Juan Capistrano serve the needs of commercial properties, institutions, property managers, and commercial landscapers. For additional tips on plant care, see your nursery professional or refer to the Sunset Western Garden Book, available at all three MWN locations.

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