When to plant daylily bulbs in zone 5

Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun that has well drained soil. Enrich the soil with  Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball.

Remove the plant from the container.

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun and has well drained soil.

Enrich the soil with some compost and  Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser well before planting.

Place the bulb directly where the plant is to grow at a depth of 10cm and 30cm apart.

Keep the soil nice and moist ensuring not to overwater.

Towards the end of winter, when the shoots begin to emerge feed every 1 to 2 weeks with  Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Choose a pot at least twice the size of the plant. Position in a spot that receives full sun.

Remove the plant from the container.

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Choose a well drained spot in the garden that receives full sun.

Place the bulb directly into the pot at a depth of 10cm.

Keep the soil nice and moist ensuring not to overwater.

Towards the end of winter, when the shoots begin to emerge feed every 1 to 2 weeks with  Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

• If your soil has issues with retaining moisture mix in some Yates Waterwise Water Storage Crystals into the soil prior to planting.
• Remove spent flower heads prior to seeds setting. Once the seeds set, it can reduce the plants energy and flowering for the next season.
• Some varieties are evergreen whilst others are deciduous, so don’t be too alarmed if your plant dies off over winter. It is best to check the plants labels when you purchase them so you know what to expect in the cooler months.
• Daylilies are edible and are often sold in Chinese markets. The blooms are often picked at bud stage and used in stir fries or soups for their nutty flavour.
• In early spring you can divide the clumps of bulbs  by cutting back the leaves and replanting the rooted divided sections into an enriched soil. Plant no deeper than 10cm and prepare to be patient as it can take up to a couple of years for the flowers to appear.

Photo by: Ben Schonewille / Shutterstock.

Bulbs are little packets of flower power that make us wait weeks, sometimes months, for results — but boy, are they worth it. The term “bulb” often refers not only to true bulbs, but also plants with tuberous roots, tubers, corms, and rhizomes; the information here can be applied to all of these. With a little basic knowledge, anyone can grow beautiful bulbs.

TYPES OF BULBS

Bulbs can be separated into two main types: spring and summer.

Spring bulbs: Also called hardy bulbs, these bulbs are planted in fall, spend winter in the ground, and flower in spring. Some of the more common spring bulbs are tulips, irises, daffodils, hyacinth, allium and crocus. These bulbs need several weeks of cold temperatures to break their dormancy and flower to their full potential. (See more: Spring Bulbs.)

Summer bulbs: Also called tender bulbs, these bulbs are planted in spring and flower or leaf out in summer. Gladiolus, lilies, caladiums, and elephant ears are common examples of summer bulbs. Some will bloom later in summer or for a longer time, like dahlias that bloom into fall. (See more: Summer Bulbs.)

Summer bulbs aren't tolerant of cold temperatures and should only be planted after the ground warms up and there's no longer a threat of frost. If purchased before planting time, store them in a cool, dry spot until planting.

PLANTING BULBS

WHEN TO PLANT BULBS

Zones 4 to 7: In colder climates, spring-flowering bulbs can be planted as soon as the ground is cool, evening temperatures average 40° to 50°F, and it is at least 6 to 8 weeks before the ground freezes. If timed right, this should be as soon as possible after purchase. However, bulbs can be stored in the refrigerator if needed until planting. (See Helpful Hints below for more information on storing bulbs in the refrigerator.)

Summer-flowering bulbs should be planted in mid to late spring.

Zones 8 to 10: In warmer climates, spring-flowering bulbs will need to be chilled in the refrigerator for 6 to 10 weeks (depending on the bulb) until the ground cools enough for planting. (See Helpful Hints below for more information on storing bulbs in the refrigerator.)

Summer-flowering bulbs can be planted early to mid-spring.

• A good layer of potting soil for a planting depth of about 8 inches
• A few late-spring-blooming bulbs such as daffodils or tulips
• Another layer of potting soil for a planting depth of about 6 inches
• Add mid-spring-blooming bulbs such as more tulips or hyacinth
• Another layer of potting soil for a planting depth of about 4 inches
• Add early-blooming bulbs such as galanthus, scilla, muscari or crocus
• Another layer of potting soil for a planting depth of about 2 inches
• Add more early-blooming bulbs such as freesia or anemones
• Top with more potting soil and a thin layer of mulch
• Overplant with pansies, heuchera, hardy cyclamen or dusty miller if you’d like a filler while waiting for the bulbs to grow.

This planting method can be used in-ground as well for a concentrated area planting. It can also be adjusted to fewer layers in smaller pots.

AFTER-CARE AND DIGGING UP BULBS

For all bulbs, after blooming, cut only the flower stem back. Leave foliage intact until it turns yellow and wilts to the ground; the leaves are gathering and storing energy for next year. If the foliage is cut back too soon, bulbs may not perform well—or at all—the following year.

Spring bulbs: In warmer climates bulbs that require chilling can be dug up and stored until pre-chilling time the following fall. For colder climates, they can stay in the ground. Many will multiply and return year after year.

Summer bulbs: In warmer climates, bulbs can be left in the ground with a layer of mulch in winter to protect and insulate them. In colder climates, they'll need to be dug up and stored until the following spring.

DIGGING UP BULBS

• Cut any remaining stems and foliage back to a couple inches above the soil level.
• Loosen the soil around the bulbs carefully and remove them.
• Shake as much soil as possible from the bulb and roots.
• Spread them out on newspaper in a cool, shady place and allow them to dry for a few days. Make sure they are out of reach of animals and children as some bulbs are poisonous.
• Store in an aerated paper or mesh bag or cardboard box with holes. You can add slightly damp vermiculite or perlite so they don’t dry out too much.
• Store in a cool, dark, and dry location with temperatures 50 to 60 degrees, such as a basement or garage.
• Check bulbs monthly for any signs of mold or rot.

HELPFUL HINTS

BUYING BULBS

Here are a few tips to help you pick the best bulbs:

• Bulbs should feel firm to the touch, not soft or spongy.
• Choose bulbs that don’t have any signs of disease, mold, or severe damage.
• At the time of purchase, bulbs should show little or no root growth or sprouting. Lilies are an exception, as they often have fleshy roots attached.
• The old saying, you get what you pay for, holds true with bulbs. Quality bulbs will make the difference between lackluster blooming and an impressive show.

ONLINE SOURCES:
Breck's
Spring Hill Nursery
Brent & Becky's

RELATED:
Spring-Flowering Bulbs to Grow
Best Summer Bulbs to Grow
Deer-Resistant Bulbs
The Craft of Interplanting Bulbs