Bulbs:
Q– I forgot to plant my spring-flowering bulbs. Are they any good now?
A– Plant them in good soil in large pots. Place in an unheated, protected area like an unheated basement, woodshed, cold frame, or garage. Water them once, then keep them from drying out during the winter, but don’t keep them soggy-wet. Plant them in the ground in spring after danger of hard frost. Use Bulb Booster or an all-purpose fertilizer when planting and place them in the ground at the proper depth for that type of bulb (you may have to partially fill in the planting hole at first, then back fill as top growth elongates). If no unheated space is available, just keep the bulbs dry and cool, then plant them outside as soon as the ground is workable in spring, and hope for the best. Some will survive. Of those that do, some may not flower till the next year. Fertilize while leaves are still green and healthy in spring.
Fertilizing:
Q- Should I fertilize my houseplants in the winter?
A- It’s often said that houseplants do not need fertilizer during the winter months. However, this can depend on a variety of factors. The thought that plants don’t need any fertilizing during the winter is because growth is often slower due to the lower light levels and cooler temperatures. Since the plants aren’t actively growing as much, they don’t need as many nutrients. While this is true, we do recommend fertilizing most houseplants if they are still actively growing, once a month with a diluted solution of fertilizer.
Q- Should I fertilize my perennials, trees and shrubs now?
A- No, wait until spring to fertilize.
Living Christmas trees:
Q- How do I care for my living Christmas tree?
A- Keep these indoors only a few days; no more than 3 is best. We recommend the tree be placed in a tub when brought into the home. This will make watering the tree easier and prevent any mess. Whether indoors or out, the soil ball should be kept moist and not allowed to dry. When storing the tree after its use indoors, the easiest method is to place the tree in a garage or other unheated structure. Place in bark or some other mulching material over the soil ball to prevent moisture loss and reduce freezing and thawing. Wait for warm weather to arrive in the spring and then plant the tree as you would any other tree or shrub.
Holiday Plants:
Q- How do I care for my poinsettias?
A- Poinsettias prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight and air for about six hours of light each day. Allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out before watering well. Poinsettias prefer slightly moist soil, but they don’t like to sit in water or be soaking wet. Always check the soil before watering. Poinsettias grow best at temperatures between 65-75 degrees, keep away from cold, draft areas.
Q- How do I get my poinsettia to blossom next year?
A- When the leaves have fallen, prune back your plant so it is about 4-6 inches above the soil. This step is optional but can help encourage new growth and a fuller shape. Use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks through the spring-summer.
Click here for a PDF on poinsettia care: Poinsettia Care Tips
Q- How do I care for my holiday cactus?
A- Holiday cactus prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. Water when the top layer of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot. Depending on the size of your cactus, aim to allow the first few inches of soil to dry out before watering. Fertilize about once a month with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer of your choice. Avoid fertilizing when the plant is in bloom.
Click here for a PDF on Holiday Cactus care: Holiday Cactus Care Tips
Q- How do I care for my Cyclamen?
A- Cyclamen prefer cool temperature and grow best between 50-60 degrees if possible. Warmer temperatures above 70 degrees cause the plant to go by faster or even encourage dormancy. Place your cyclamen in a bright room away from direct sunlight. Keep its soil evenly moist. When you water, try to only water the soil, keeping the water away from the leaves and flowers. Excess eater on the foliage or the crown of the plant can cause them to rot.
Q- How do I care for my Cyclamen after it has flowered?
A- Once your cyclamen is no longer producing new flowers and the foliage begins to turn yellow – reduce watering and stop feeding. Place the pot in a cool, dark location around 50-60 degrees. Keep dry until mid-summer. Then, repot the corm using fresh soil, burying it to about half its depth. Place in a cool, well-lit spot and water as needed. The corm should begin to produce new leaves within a few weeks.
Click here for a PDF on Cyclamen care: Cyclamen Care Tips 2024
For holiday decorating FAQs visit November’s FAQ page.
Timely Tips:
• Give Longfellow’s Gift Cards this holiday season, click here to order yours now! Remember to shop from our wide selection of gifts.
• Finish outdoor garden clean-up until the ground is covered with snow.
• Brighten you home with holiday flowering plants and fresh foliage plants.