Starting summer bulbs off in pots?

Hi everyone,

I have bulbs/corms/tubers etc of
1. Crinum powellii
2. Nerine Bowdenii
3. Sprekelia
4. Ismene
5. Hidychium
6. Canna

Can I start them off now in 4 litre pots in the greenhouse and then sink the pots in the garden when the danger of frost has passed?

I have never grown these before but I want to put them in any spaces that are in the garden between the perennials.

I would welcome your advice.

Many thanks,

Russ

 

Hi RYDALL, the Canna and Hedychium can be started now in pots and kept in the greenhouse until about May time when all chance of frost has passed. They are both hungry plants and will appreciate feeding once into growth.
The Nerine flower best when crammed into a pot with half of the bulb above the surface of the soil. They like well drained soil so add grit and place in a very sunny position where they will be baked in the sun. They love being at the foot of a south facing wall.
The Crinum, Sprekelia and Ismene I have no idea about, but I'm sure someone else can help you.

 

Thanks Blackthorn. I will pot the Cannas and Hedychiums m on this week.
Are Nerines okay to go directly into the border that contains well-drained soil? If so, should I add extra grit to the planting hole?

Cheers...

 

Sorry Rydall for not getting back to you. Nerine Bowdenii are more or less hardy in this country, the only thing that can damage them is winter wet. If you can chose a place in a sunny position in a rain shadow, like the base of a wall, they should be ok.

 

Oh, by the way I have just bought some Ismene myself as they look lovely on the packet. I have potted them up in compost with added sharp sand and will keep them in the cold greenhouse for a week or two.

 

My nerine do fine outside but in south facing bed against house wall - they stay outside all winter too. Crinums I have difficulty getting into flower, but will start them off this year in green house AND have not as yet trusted hardiness, so brought them in during winter - I have Amrecrinums which I have left out.

as Blackthorn says hedichiums and canna you can start off now under glass - my sprekia are ther too, but shy of flowering

Good luck!

 

I love ismene and nerines, the ismene smell lovely too. I've been brave and planted them out this year, but having read Blackthorn and Waco's advice, I might have to move them! :(

 

Thanks Guys,

I will have a try with all the info and let you know the results. Our soil and garden is very sunny and dry so it may be okay to leave half of them in to overwinter as a test.

Good luck with yours.

 

Hi, I leave all my cannas out and ismene and 2 hardy hedychiums, all winter and all have loads of shoots on them already. My hardy gingers are tara and forestii. 3 other gingers I've got I had them in cold greenhouse and they have sprouted too!! :D