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• Tender Bulbs

  Tender bulbs are planted in spring and bloom in the summer. They add color to your summer landscape with little effort and cost. Favorites include:

  Dahlias	Can be grown as annuals or overwinter as tender bulbs Thrive in a soil temperature of 60º F
  Caladium	Can be grown as annuals or overwinter as tender bulbs Thrive in a soil temperature of 75º F
  Elephant Ears	Can be grown as annuals or overwinter as tender bulbs Thrive in a soil temperature of 60º F
  Tuberous Begonias	Can be grown as annuals or overwinter as tender bulbs Thrive in a soil temperature of 60º F
  Canna	Can be grown as annuals or overwinter as tender bulbs Thrive in a soil temperature of 55º — 65º F
  Gladiolas	Can be grown as annuals or overwinter as tender bulbs Thrive in a soil temperature of at least 55º F

  These bulbs can’t withstand cold, so you’ll need to wait until after your last frost date to plant them outdoors. Most tender bulbs can stay in the ground in warm southern regions, but if you’re in the north, they should be dug out in the fall, stored and replanted the following spring. If you care for them well, bulbs can be a great garden investment.

• Hardy bulbs

  Hardy perennial bulbs can remain in the ground to re-sprout year after year even in northern regions. In general, hardy bulbs are planted in autumn. They grow roots in fall and bloom in spring, so look for their foliage in your garden once your last frost date has passed. True lilies (such as Asiatic and Oriental lilies) are hardy, but can be planted in spring or fall.
  
  Popular hardy bulbs include:

  Tulip	Can be grown as annuals or over winter as hardy bulbs Bloom in a soil temperature of 50º F
  Calla Lily	Can be grown as annuals or over winter as hardy bulbs Bloom in a soil temperature of 65º F
  Daffodils	Can be grown as annuals or over winter as hardy bulbs Bloom in a soil temperature below 60º F
  Crocus	Can be grown as annuals or overwinter as hardy bulbs Bloom in a soil temperature of 57º F — 62º F
  Hyacinth	Can be grown as annuals or overwinter as hardy bulbs Bloom in a soil temperature below 60º F
  Easter lily	Can be grown as annuals or overwinter as hardy bulbs Bloom in a soil temperature of 55º F — 60 F

• Tips for planting bulbs:

  • All bulbs prefer sun and well-drained soil. Cultivate the soil to a depth of 6 inches or more, adding organic amendments. Brands like Scotts carry a variety of options fortified with humus and manure, adding nutrients to improve the soil.
  • Plant large bulbs at a depth about twice the height of the bulb; plant small bulbs slightly deeper than twice their height. In regions with extremely cold weather, plant deeper than normal.
  • After planting, apply a dry fertilizer from brands like Vigoro, which offer fertilizers that are low in nitrogen and feed for up to five months.
  • Water the bed thoroughly to settle the soil. You can also cover the bed with a 1-inch layer of Scotts Nature Scapes mulch to deter weeds and improve the soil.