My friend said I should start my dahlia bulbs inside to get earlier bloom. Will that really help?
Yes, dahlia bulbs planted inside in pots will result in at least a month earlier bloom outside. And they will continue to bloom for the rest of the summer.
Besides dahlias, you can start ranunculus, anemone, tuberous begonias, calla lilies and canna lilies. There is not much to be gained from starting gladiolus, and asiatic and oriental lilies. These can be planted directly outside anytime now.
Most of the above bulbs are available for sale right now. Some of them can be purchased as started plants in pots in May and June — at a distinctly higher price.
Smaller bulbs can be planted in 3- or 4-inch pots. Bulbs that are 2 inches or more can be started in 6-inch or gallon pots.
Fill pots completely with potting soil. Then make holes and place bulbs so they are just covered with ¼ inch of soil. This allows maximum room for root growth. When watered soil will compact and leave just enough space for watering. I like to fertilize with a timed release fertilizer such as Osmocote at planting time. Ordinary outdoor fertilizer will also work fine.
As soon as leaves appear, plants should be placed near a window where they can get direct sunlight. By the time leaves appear, pots can be placed outside in the daytime and brought in at night. Place them in the shade or cover with newspaper for the first few days until they are adapted to direct sunlight and drier outside humidity. Then place them in direct sun. The combination of cool outside temperatures and warmer inside temperatures will cause growth to be more compact.
Tuberous begonia bulbs should not be planted outside until May because they are tender to frost. All the others will take light frost and can be planted outside by mid-April.
Many bare root plants are also available this time of year. These include some trees and shrubs, but especially fruit trees and roses. Rhubarb, potatoes, asparagus and onion plants and bulbs are also available. A wider range of bare root plants are available from internet and mail order sources. Bare root plants are somewhat cheaper than potted plants because you do not pay for the pot or soil.
