Ranunculus corms ( often called bulbs ) are brilliant for adding colour to pots and borders. They will flower for around 6 weeks either early Autumn or late Spring and are grown on short stems with lovely Green foliage.

After flowering they will die back, however the corms can be dried and replanted the following season. 

Before planting the corms should be soaked for several hours in water. Plant them with the ‘Claws’ facing downwards 5 cm deep and 10 cm apart. Once growth has appeared water regularly but make sure not to over-water.

Once buds appear you can feed every 10 - 14 days. Ranunculus make excellent cut flowers and you can cut them just before blooms open.

🌷Dahlias

Dahlias provide some of the garden's biggest and most spectacular blooms. The flowers come in many different styles and sizes, and a rainbow of gorgeous colours. All are excellent cut flowers.

One of the best things about dahlias is how abundantly they bloom. The plants start flowering in midsummer and can continue non-stop right through to December. Just plant the tubers in spring and prepare to be amazed. Dahlias are sun-lovers and like a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. The more sun they get, the better they'll bloom.
Dig a hole 4-6” deep in well-drained soil. Set the tubers in the hole with the stem facing up. Replace the soil and water only if the soil is very dry
Once your dahlias are 8-10" tall, start fertilizing them with liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks.
If you are growing full size dahlias, they should be staked to support both the stems and the flowers. 

Dahlias grow well in pots and planters, either on their own or combined with other plants. Full size decorative dahlias and dinnerplate dahlias need to be grown in large pots. The bigger the pot, the less often you'll have to water !

 

🌷 Gladioli.

Gladiolus are, in many ways, like the summer tulip and are no more difficult to grow. They make wonderful cut flowers and growing gladioli is easy. Like all good garden bulbs, if you get them growing in the ground they will flower.

Planting -  

On rich but well-drained soils, you can plant them straight out in the garden. If you have heavy clay – particularly in a wet spring – it is best to plant glads in pots and put them out in a clump already growing.
Plant the corms 10cm (4in) apart and 10-15cm (4-6in) deep. Secured deep in the ground, you are less likely to need a stake.

In the garden - 

Gladioli need plenty of water to flower well, so if you can, dig a trench and pile in well-rotted manure at the base before planting. This will help feed the bulbs and will also retain water to ensure a more regular supply. If you have bought quite a few, don’t plant them all at once. Plant fifteen corms every couple of weeks from early May to July to give a succession of flowers through the summer and autumn.

For Containers -

Plant five corms in a 15cm (6in) pot at 20cm (8in) deep, so a bit more closely packed than recommended above. Put them somewhere bright and cold, but frost-free, and water. Wait for them to shoot and plant them out in the garden from May onwards, by which time you’ll have well established plants. They will need staking. To avoid piercing the corms, canes are safest poked in before you plant the bulbs.

On well-drained, poorer soil, extra watering will be required. Apply a high potash feed, such as tomato fertilizer every two weeks as soon as the flower spikes are 15cm (6in) high and until at least three weeks after flowering. This is essential on poor soils as flowering can diminish in successive seasons. Gladioli should flower three months after planting.

 

🌷 Gloriosa Rothschildiana

It's easy to see how the spectacular 'Flame Lily' got it's name! Now you can create simply stunning displays in your garden with this exotic beauty. Fiery-red, yellow- streaked flowers will dance like flames in the evening breeze across the summer months, providing an eye-catching spectacle and a hint of wonderful fragrance as you sit on your patio.
Gloriosa rothschildiana, as it is properly named, is the national flower of Zimbabwe, and is perfect for cutting and creating vivid cut flower displays too, which last several weeks.

For best results, plant 3 in a 25-30cm pot, and start off in a warm spot, either on a heater or in an airing cupboard, and keep frost free till May. The corms will store for many weeks in a cool, dry spot if you need to. Place outside for the Summer, and when it warms up they will shoot and twine away - use a few canes or pea sticks for support.

They will flower in August and September, and slowly die back underground. keep dry and frost free over Winter for bigger and better displays next year.

 

🌷 Begonias.

Begonias are a great way to brighten up the home and garden. Taking care of begonias is easy, especially when growing begonias from corms (or tubers). These charming plants can be easily started in a shallow tray of compost or damp peat in early spring. Once the plants have sprouted and weather permits in May or June, begonias can be moved outdoors.
 
Begonia care begins with proper planting. As many people grow them as annuals, some may not be as familiar with begonia corms, therefore, it may be helpful to share some tips for growing begonia plants from corms.

First, always plant begonia corms concave side up (depression on top) either slightly above or level with the compost/soil surface. Gently push the corms into place and once planted, water thoroughly. Make sure, however, that water does not sit in the depression of the corms, as this could lead to rotting.

Place the tray in a warm windowsill or heated propagator. Growing begonias from corms requires warm temperatures, usually between 70 and 75 degrees. Using a plastic cover is also acceptable as long as adequate ventilation is provided during begonia care
.
Taking care of begonias once the corms have sprouted is easy. When weather permits, begonias can be transplanted to the garden bed, spacing about 10-18 inches apart. Likewise, they can be placed in containers spaced approximately 3-4 inches apart. Leave plenty of room between plants for adequate circulation to prevent the possibility of developing mildew.

When taking care of begonias, be sure to provide begonias with well-drained  soil and place them in a sunny or lightly shaded area. While begonias enjoy regular watering, be careful not to let them continually remain saturated, as this can also lead to problems with mildew as well as with fungus. Reduce watering once the leaves yellow in the Autumn. In cold climates, begonia corms need to be lifted and stored in a cool, dry area over winter, usually in mid-October.

During the growing season, begonias may need to be protected from pests such as snails and slugs. These pests enjoy eating the young shoots and foliage. Caterpillars, thrips, aphids, and mealy bugs can also attack begonia plants, however, with routine care, pests rarely become a problem.

Caring for begonias is well worth the limited effort required, as they do most of the work, providing endless colour and beauty in the garden.

Now that you have some tips for growing begonia plants from corms, caring for begonias grown from corms will be a snap.

🌷 Freesia

We recommend planting Freesia bulbs in multi purpose compost and in a pot or container. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes, freesia bulbs must never sit in waterlogged soil or they will rot. 

Plant your freesia 2" deep and 2" apart. Position bulbs with the pointy ends up. After planting, water your containers well to settle the soil around the bulbs.

 

🌷 Zantedeschia ( Calla Lily )

Calla lilies grow from rhizomes, and can be grown outdoors in gardens,containers, or Tubs. When planting outside, wait until all danger of frost is past in your area. 

When growing Calla Lily, choose a site with full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil. Plant in Well Drained soil and place in a hole just bigger and deeper than the corm. Fill the hole with good quality soil and firm up and water well. Keep the well well watered but do not over water so they become water logged.

Calla lily will benefit from a layer of organic material placed around the base. This will help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and provide a steady source of nutrients throughout the growing season.

🌷Crocosmia

Crocosmia corms deliver spectacular summer colour when planted correctly. Wait until early spring after the last frost, then position corms 10-15cm deep and 10-20cm apart in a sunny spot. These plants love well-drained, fertile soil and perform beautifully when clustered together. Plant with the pointed end upward and maintain consistent moisture during the first year to establish strong, flowering plants.

🌷Eucomis

Eucomis bulbs bring exotic charm to any garden when planted in spring between February and May. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and prepare well-drained, fertile soil. Plant bulbs 10-15cm deep and 15-30cm apart with the pointed end facing upward. Water regularly during the growing season, then allow soil to dry out over winter when the plant is dormant. These striking pineapple lilies are surprisingly low-maintenance once established.

🌷 Hedychium

Hedychium rhizomes deliver stunning fragrant blooms when planted correctly in spring. Lay rhizomes horizontally 5-10cm deep in rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture, spacing them 30-60cm apart in a sunny, sheltered location. Begin planting after frost danger passes. Maintain even soil moisture throughout the growing season, apply regular summer fertilizer, and protect with substantial mulch in autumn to ensure winter survival and consistent flowering performance.

🌷 Nerines 

Nerines transform autumn gardens with graceful lily-like flowers in shades of pink and white, thriving in borders, containers, and as striking cut flowers. Plant bulbs from April through June, positioning them shallow with just the neck exposed, spacing 7-10cm apart. Drainage is paramount—work grit thoroughly into the soil before planting. Shallow placement is critical; deep planting prevents flowering. Apply mulch during the first winter and allow bulbs time to establish—prolific blooming typically arrives in year two. These valuable bee plants supply essential pollen and nectar as the season winds down.

 

🌷 Happy Planting 🌷