Growing Perennials from Seed

What You Need: Various perennial seed packets Perennial seed starting mix or potting mix Egg carton or other shallow container Labels Plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag Plastic cell packs continue reading below

Can I Plant the Seed Pods from Calla Lilies That Have Already Bloomed?

Its generous to share garden plants with friends, though I dont think the seedpods will do you much good. Like most bulbs, calla lilies are best propagated vegetatively through their underground structure. Ive nev

Perennials that Bloom and Bloom

Editors Note: Every week -- more or less -- we post a new Garden Question of the Week and invite you to respond. Learn more about growing perfect perennials. After a couple of weeks, we gather the best responses

How to Force Hyacinth Bulbs in a Vase

With nothing more elaborate than forcing vases, bulbs, and some water, you can fill you home with blossoms and fragrance. Got little time to spare? No sweat. Forced hyacinths require no watering whatsoever -- th

What Is the Best Way to Trim Overgrown Pampas Grass?

Native to Argentina, pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a dramatic warm-climate ornamental grass. The plants vary in their ability to produce thick, showy plumes, so observe yours for a season to see what they

When Is the Best Time to Transplant Shasta Daisies?

Early spring is the best time to divide and separate Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum), but it is an extremely tough perennial and can be moved or divided almost any time of year. Avoid dividing it during hot

Growing Dahlias

Planting How-to Dahlia Chinese Lantern Dahlias are a stellar addition to any garden. Native to Mexico, where they grow wild on hillsides, these tender bulbs bloom in many colors from summer until frost. They var

Dividing and Transplanting Oriental Poppies

Oriental poppies do best when divided and transplanted in the fall. This is the traditional way. However, if you are waiting to claim the spot where they are now, Id take a chance on moving them right away. Be sur

Perennials Care Guide

While you enjoy your perennials for their fantastic foliage or beautiful blooms, it is really the roots youre buying -- because the roots allow the plants to come back every year. Use these tips to make sure you

How Long Does It Take for an Elephant Ear Bulb to Sprout?

Elephant ear bulbs will spend about three weeks growing roots before youll notice any activity above ground. The end with the concentric circles is the top. If youre ever in doubt about which end is up, plant a bu

Will My Mums Bloom Again Next Spring and Summer?

If your mums (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) survive the winter, youll see new growth developing around the base of the plant in early spring. The old, dead growth from last year can be clipped away. If nothing devel

Plant an Annuals Border

Everything looks better when its framed, whether its a picture or a garden path. Try low-growing, beautiful annual flowers for colorful boundaries between the garden and the lawn or pathway. continue reading below

Yellow Leaves on Vincas

Sometimes Vinca can suffer from bacterial diseases such as botrytis that are practically undetectable when theyre in packs at the garden center. Weakened, they stress easily when transplanted into the garden, and

Wildflowers for Shade

Spring is show time -- and planting time -- for the flowers of the forest. Emerging from the earth as soon as the snow melts, wildflowers bloom in bursts of color until midsummer, when floral displays continue i

What Do You Do With a Gerbera Daisy After it Quits Blooming?

Gerbera daisy comes in and out of bloom when grown in the garden. However, if grown indoors it will often not rebloom. If your daisy is indoors and not growing, you may just want to toss it. Outdoors, be

10 Tips for Protecting Tulip Bulbs

Daffodils look cheery, hyacinths smell divine, and crocuses pop up early, but something about a bright, cup-shape tulip inspires true spring joy. Unfortunately, this joy can be cut short unless you take a few precautio

Grow Your Own Wedding Flowers

Growing your own wedding flowers is a great idea, especially when you consider brides spend on average, hundreds of dollars on wedding flowers. Whether youre planning your own event or helping a loved one, youll

Can My Hibiscus Come Back from Freezing Temperatures?

The amount and timing of pruning for your hibiscus depends on what kind of hibiscus it is, and where you live. Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is hardy only in Zones 9-11. If winter temperatures dipped

How Far Apart Should I Plant My Perennials?

You are right to take time to learn to properly space your perennials. For a modest investment up front, perennial plants will bring years of color and interest to your garden or landscape. A little time and effor

When Can I Safely Plant My Annual Flowers in the Garden?

Find out the frost-free date for your area from your local cooperative extension office, a garden center, or an experienced gardening friend. Depending on the cold tolerance of the flowers you intend to plant, use