Bulbs

Now is not the time to plant anything outside as it is too hot and dry. I am reminded of my winter days in Ohio when it was too cold to plant anything outside. But we can still dream. Those catalogs that come in the mail give gardeners hope for the future.

I often write about my bulbs that start to show themselves in December or January in Texas. This column will remind you what spring bulbs will survive and come back year after year so you can plant them this fall.

Iris. I have the most luck with Dutch and Bearded Iris in Texas. Believe it or not, now is the time to divide iris. You can order iris but if you can get a start from a local gardener who has had success with a particular line, you will improve your chances of success. Plant them so the bulb above the roots is showing, add bonemeal to the soil, trim the leaves and wait for a little moisture to fall from the sky.

Hyacinths, both grape and regular reappear each year. Although hyacinths bloom best the first year, they will return, especially with a little added bonemeal. Narcissus (also called Daffodils) in the tazette group are best for annual blooms in Central Texas. Some of the Narcissus I have had luck with are Grand Primo, Campernelle, Texas Star, Soleil’dOr, Dutch Master, Unsurpass able, Ice Follies, and Erlicheer. Many of these bulbs are sold by McClure and Zimmerman and by Southern Bulb company.

After you purchase these bulbs you should wait until it cools down and we get some moisture before planting them. Store in a cool dry location. They should be planted before December. I would select a partially shaded location. They say Daffodils are deer resistant, but that is not my experience. I have had success with Hyacinths planted in the deer accessible locations. Good luck with your fall bulb planting.

Written by Jackie Mattice, Hays County Master Naturalist