So we've look at various forms of planting. Last week we looked at planting potatoes. Now this week we'll learn to plant our own bouquets. These are used as gifts for various occasions like weddings, graduations, Valentine, Easter, Christmas, and many other celebrations.
Many gardeners are embracing the joy of growing their own flowers for beautiful bouquets. Sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos are excellent choices for homegrown cut flowers. Whether you want to sell them at local markets or simply brighten your home, cultivating your own bloom is a rewarding endeavor.
Many gardeners are embracing the joy of growing their own flowers for beautiful bouquets. Sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos are excellent choices for homegrown cut flowers. Whether you want to sell them at local markets or simply brighten your home, cultivating your own bloom is a rewarding endeavor.
When choosing flowers, opt for those with strong stems and that tend to bloom for a long period of time. A cutting garden doesn't have to be large to keep your vases full all season long. Even a small bed strategically planted with a variety of spring and summer blooming bulbs, brightly colored annuals, and a few blooming perennials and shrubs can yield a bountiful supply of homegrown bouquets.
Here are some examples.
Here are some examples.
Aster Grape-Crush.
These are easy -to-grow, late-season bloomers. Wonderful for fall bouquets. Bloom time: August through October. Height spread: one to six feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide.
These are easy -to-grow, late-season bloomers. Wonderful for fall bouquets. Bloom time: August through October. Height spread: one to six feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide.
Black-Eyed-Susan
This is a perennial. These prolific native wildflowers bloom in abundance from midsummer through autumn in cheery shades of yellow, orange , and gold. They are drought tolerant and low maintenance.
Bloom time : Midsummer until frost.
Height: 10 inches to 7 feet.
This is a perennial. These prolific native wildflowers bloom in abundance from midsummer through autumn in cheery shades of yellow, orange , and gold. They are drought tolerant and low maintenance.
Bloom time : Midsummer until frost.
Height: 10 inches to 7 feet.
Bells of Ireland
These plants produce tiny, fragrant flowers surrounded by apple green calyxes clustered along vertical square green stalks. The green bell is the calyx --outer sepers surrounding the tiny white flower petals inside.
These are annuals
Mature size: 2-3 ft tall, 12-18 ins wide.
Sun exposure: Full/partial
Soil: Neutral
Bloom time: Summer/fall
These plants produce tiny, fragrant flowers surrounded by apple green calyxes clustered along vertical square green stalks. The green bell is the calyx --outer sepers surrounding the tiny white flower petals inside.
These are annuals
Mature size: 2-3 ft tall, 12-18 ins wide.
Sun exposure: Full/partial
Soil: Neutral
Bloom time: Summer/fall
Bupleurum
Bright chartreuse-green blooms that add sparkle to arrangements. Combine them with other flowers for a striking effect.
These are annuals/perennials.
Days of Germination : 14 - 21 days
Size : 24 - 36 ins.
Light Preference: Sun/shade
Spacing: 10"
Bright chartreuse-green blooms that add sparkle to arrangements. Combine them with other flowers for a striking effect.
These are annuals/perennials.
Days of Germination : 14 - 21 days
Size : 24 - 36 ins.
Light Preference: Sun/shade
Spacing: 10"
Honeywort
Unique colors (silver, blue, purple, and green ) all on one stem. Arching stems with noodling blooms. Great as a bouquet filler.
Plant seeds outdoors with well drained soil
Sun exposure: Full, with some shades at mid-day.
Add compost or other organic matter into soil before planting
If planting in pots, make sure there's enough room for roots to grow (at least 10 ins. wide )
Keep soil moist but not soaked.
Unique colors (silver, blue, purple, and green ) all on one stem. Arching stems with noodling blooms. Great as a bouquet filler.
Plant seeds outdoors with well drained soil
Sun exposure: Full, with some shades at mid-day.
Add compost or other organic matter into soil before planting
If planting in pots, make sure there's enough room for roots to grow (at least 10 ins. wide )
Keep soil moist but not soaked.
Mint
Mint adds fragrance to your arrangements. It's long -lasting stems are perfect for bouquets. This is a perennial herb with very fragrant toothed leaves and tiny pink , purple, or white flowers. There are many varieties of mint -- whether shiny of fuzzy, smooth or crinkled , bright green or variegated.
Mint practically grows itself.
Soil: Light with good drainage.
Sun exposure: Full/ partial shade.
Size: 1 --2 ft tall.
Grows vigorously and needs to be contained.
Mint adds fragrance to your arrangements. It's long -lasting stems are perfect for bouquets. This is a perennial herb with very fragrant toothed leaves and tiny pink , purple, or white flowers. There are many varieties of mint -- whether shiny of fuzzy, smooth or crinkled , bright green or variegated.
Mint practically grows itself.
Soil: Light with good drainage.
Sun exposure: Full/ partial shade.
Size: 1 --2 ft tall.
Grows vigorously and needs to be contained.
Lavender
It's fragrant blossoms and foliage make it an excellent choice. It prefers poor soil and with good drainage and can be grown as a perennial in suitable zones.
Sun: Full
Height: 2--4 ft.
Hardiness zones: 5--9.
Drought resistant.
It's fragrant blossoms and foliage make it an excellent choice. It prefers poor soil and with good drainage and can be grown as a perennial in suitable zones.
Sun: Full
Height: 2--4 ft.
Hardiness zones: 5--9.
Drought resistant.