Crocuses are early bloomers and come in yellow, purple and white. Photo by Bigstock.

Plant bulbs for springtime splendor

One of the easiest ways to add color to your spring garden is to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Now through early January is the ideal time to plant.

Planting bulbs in large masses will make a stunning spring display. Photo by Janet B. Carson.

When choosing bulbs, select those that are large, firm and blemish-free. The size of the bulb determines the size of the flower next spring.

Plant bulbs in holes two to three times their size, deep in the ground in a sunny, well-drained location. Planting in large masses will make a stunning display next spring. Bulbs are sold in their dormant or dry state. When planted, they begin to initiate roots, and the stems inside the bulbs begin to grow.

Spring-blooming bulbs need to go through a chilling process to reach their full potential. Typically, a minimum of 12 to 16 weeks of temperatures between 35 and 50 degrees are required for the bulbs to stretch and elongate a stem and leaves. The colder the winter, the taller the tulips and daffodils will be.

Planting bulbs in large masses will make a stunning spring display.

 

GREENTYPEVARIETIESCULTURE
BeetSeed-grown.Ruby Queen, Detroit Dark Red, Red AceBoth roots and leaves are edible.
CollardSeed or transplants
(60 days minimum
before harvesting).
Champion, Georgia, Morris Heading, VatesLargest of the green crops. Very cold-tolerant. Needs well-drained soil. Fertilization should be done at planting, and then side-dress two to three more times throughout the season.
KaleSeeds or transplants.Green Lance, Lacinato, Redbor, Red Russian, WinterborCold-tolerant. Harvest as baby greens, or let grow. Water when dry. Can be edible ornamental.
MustardSeeds or sometimes transplants.Florida Broadleaf, Red Giant, Savannah, Southern GiantMost pungent spicy green. Can be harvested as microgreens, or let grow to maturity. Fertilize at planting.
SpinachSeeds or transplants.Bloomsdale Long Standing, Tyee Hybrid, AvonPrefers more alkaline soil with excellent drainage. Easier as a fall crop.
Swiss ChardSeeds or transplants.Bright Lights, Fordhook Giant, RhubarbOften used as an edible ornamental. Colorful stems and edible foliage. Not as cold-tolerant as other greens.
TurnipSeeds or sometimes transplants.Alamo, Purple Top, Sevel Top, Tokyo WhiteEasy crop to grow. Can be used as a green manure crop. Very cold-hardy. Grown for greens on top and turnip roots beneath.