HOW TO PLANT PEONIES
Dig a hole that the bare root will fit into comfortably. Place the peony root with the eyes close to the surface, about an inch under the soil surface. Cover with good well draining soil. Water well. Leave alone to overwinter - peonies are very hardy! Enjoy your spring flowers for years to come, each year the peony bush will get bigger and better!
FLOWER CARE
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Choose a clean vase: Wash the vase thoroughly with warm soapy water to remove any bacteria or residue.
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Clean water: Use fresh, room temperature water. Change the water every 1-2 days and keep the vase full.
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Remove lower leaves: Remove any leaves below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth and cloudy water.
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Re-trim the stems: Cut the stems diagonally with sharp scissors every 2-3 days to allow better water absorption.
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Keep flowers cool: Place in a cool location away from direct sunlight, heat, and ripening fruits, which produce ethylene gas which will shorten the life of your flowers.
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Remove wilting flowers: Remove any wilting or dying flowers to keep the remaining flowers looking fresh.
HOW TO GROW DAHLIAS
Dahlia tubers should be stored in an environment where they won't freeze, between 5-10 degrees celsius. They are best stored in vermiculite, peat moss or pine shavings. In colder climates they need to be dug up in the fall and stored over the winter.
You can plant your dahlia tubers (or rooted cuttings) once your soil has warmed and it is after your last frost. Pick a sunny spot with well draining soil that gets at least 6-8 hours of sun per day. If planting in a container, make sure it is at least 15" wide to allow room for tuber production.
Plant your tubers 4-6" deep, on their side, with the eye facing up. Space dahlia tubers 12-18" apart.
Pinch your dahlias when they are 12-18" tall. Cut the centre shoot just above the third or fourth set of leaves. This encourages branching and promotes longer stems with more flowers! This only needs to be done once per last.
No watering is required until first set of true leaves appear. From this point, water deeply 2-3 times per week. Dahlias can benefit from a low nitrogen fertilizer and/or a regular foliar feed. Cut flowers regularly to promote more blooms. Support as needed with a cage, netting, or corralling.
RANUNCULUS & ANEMONES – HOW TO SOAK, PRE-SPROUT & PLANT
Ranunculus and anemone corms perform best when soaked and pre-sprouted. Both prefer cool temperatures (40–55°F / 4–13°C) and well-draining soil.
Ranunculus – larger, multi-clawed corms
Anemones – small, pebble-shaped corms
Planting Windows
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Zones 7–10: Fall–winter
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Zones 3–6: Early spring
1. Soaking the Corms
Ranunculus
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Soak 3–4 hours in room temperature water
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Change water hourly or let the tap drip into bowl
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Corms should plump up but remain firm
Anemones
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Soak 4–6 hours in room temperature water
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Change water halfway or let the tap drip into bowl
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Corms will soften slightly
Do NOT soak overnight—risk of rot and disease.
2. Pre-Sprouting (Recommended)
This gives you stronger plants and earlier blooms. Keep at 4-13°C in a cool, dark area.
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Cover the bottom of your tray with barely damp soil.
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Place corms in, claws down, not touching.
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Keep in a cool, dark place.
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Check every few days for sprouts. Can take 7-14 days to sprout.
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Once you see sprouts, they are ready to be planted or need to be moved under grow lights.
3. Planting
Ranunculus
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Depth: 2–3 inches
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Spacing: 6–8 inches
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Orientation: Claws down, sprouts up
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Keep soil lightly moist
Anemones
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Depth: 1–2 inches
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Spacing: 3–4 inches (or 5–6 for large varieties)
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Orientation: Sprout up; if none, lay corm on its side
4. Aftercare
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Keep soil evenly moist—not soggy
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Provide bright light + cool temperatures
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Protect with frost cloth when needed
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Bloom time: 90–120 days
🌷 TULIP PLANTING & CARE GUIDE
Tulips are classic spring beauties that brighten gardens with vibrant colors and elegant shapes. With proper planting and care, these bulbs can bring joy year after year.
✿ 1. Choosing Your Tulips
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Bulb quality: Look for firm, healthy bulbs without soft spots or mold.
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Varieties:
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Early bloomers: Bloom in early spring, shorter stems.
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Mid-season: Traditional tulip height and bloom timing.
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Late bloomers: Tall, dramatic flowers that bloom last.
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Colors & patterns: Mix and match for a garden full of interest.
✿ 2. Planting Time
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Best planting season: Fall, about 6–8 weeks before the first hard frost.
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Soil temperature: Ideally below 60°F (16°C) for proper root development.
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Winter chill: Tulips require a cold period to bloom properly.
✿ 3. Planting Location & Soil
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Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours/day) for vibrant blooms.
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Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil. Tulips dislike soggy conditions.
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Spacing: Plant bulbs 4–6 inches apart, 6–8 inches deep (about 2–3x the bulb height).
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Orientation: Point the tip upward, roots downward.
✿ 4. Planting Steps
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Dig holes or trenches to the recommended depth.
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Place bulbs with the pointed end up.
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Cover with soil and lightly tamp down.
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Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Tip: Avoid planting in heavy clay or poorly drained areas—bulbs can rot.
✿ 5. Mulching & Winter Care
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Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to protect from frost and temperature swings.
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Remove mulch in early spring as shoots appear, so soil warms evenly.
✿ 6. Watering
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Water after planting to encourage root growth.
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During winter, no additional water is needed unless soil is extremely dry.
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Spring: Water once a week if rainfall is insufficient.
✿ 7. Fertilizing
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Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting.
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Fertilize again in early spring as shoots appear.
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Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers—they encourage leaves over flowers.
✿ 8. Bloom Care
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Deadhead spent blooms to prevent seed formation and preserve bulb energy.
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Leave foliage until it yellows naturally—this allows bulbs to store energy for next year.
✿ 9. Aftercare & Storage
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In climates with hot summers, dig up bulbs after leaves die back, dry them, and store in a cool, dry, ventilated place.
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In colder climates (such as Alberta), tulips can stay in the ground year-round.
With these steps, your tulips will reward you each spring with vibrant colors and elegant blooms.