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How to grow Caladium Plants

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Caladium Plants are beautiful. With colorful foliage options that are very easy to grow. They are native to South America and thrive in warm, humid climates. They can be displayed in garden beds and in container displays.

close up photo of pink and green caladium plants
Photo by Madison Inouye on Pexels.com

How to grow Caladium Plants:

  1. Choose a location. Caladiums need full sun to partial shade. They will do best in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. The soil should be rich and well-drained. If your soil is sandy, add some compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
  2. Plant the tubers. Caladium tubers can be planted in the spring or fall. If you are planting in the spring, wait until the soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant the tubers 2-4 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart.
  3. Water and fertilize. Caladiums need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  4. Cut the flowers. Deadheading will encourage the plant to produce more foliage . Simply remove the blooms from the plant.
  5. Overwinter the tubers. In colder climates, the tubers will need to be dug up and overwintered in a cool, dry place. To do this, dig up the tubers after the first frost. Shake off the soil and store them in a container of peat moss or sand. Keep the container in a cool, dark place until the spring.
grow caladium plants
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

How to Start Caladium tubers Indoors:

  1. Choose a Pot(s). Tubers need to be planted a pot with drainage holes.
  2. Soil. You can use a seed starting mix or a potting soil with good drainage. Bulbs do not like to stay wet.
  3. Plant. Place your Tubers one inch deep and cover.
  4. Water. Water your tubers when the pots are dry half way down.
  5. Light. Give your Caladiums Bright indirect light while they are indoors.
  6. Transition. After your frost free date has passed move your plants outside into shade. Gradually move them to part shade over the course of a week.

When planted outside you can grow your Caladiums in ground or in containers. Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.

Caladium Care Tips:

  • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Protect the plants from strong winds.
  • Watch for pests and diseases, such as aphids, spider mites, and leaf spot.
  • Plant the tubers early in the spring, as soon as the soil has warmed up.
  • Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
  • Provide partial shade in hot climates.

Caladiums provide interest and whimsy to the garden. They grow well in the shade and can fit into any type of garden design. If your a thrifty gardener you can save your tubers year after year which can save you money! Win win!

Happy Gardening!

Plants Perfect for Hanging Baskets

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The summer garden isn’t perfect without hanging baskets! There are so many different plants that look gorgeous in hanging baskets and you need to know about them! Many are very easy care plants but there are some things you need to know to keep your hanging basket plants happy all summer long.

hanging basket plant with purple flowers
  • Petunias: Petunias are a classic choice for hanging baskets, and for good reason. They come in a wide variety of colors and are very easy to care for. They are heavy feeders and surprisingly cold tolerant.
  • Calibrachoa: Also known as million bells, calibrachoa is a type of petunia that is known for its small, cascading flowers. It is a great choice for hanging baskets because it is very easy to care for and blooms all summer long but be careful with overwatering.
  • Bacopa: Bacopa is a trailing plant that is native to South America. It is known for its small, blue flowers and its ability to tolerate heat and humidity. Bacopa is a great choice for hanging baskets because it is very easy to care for and will provide color all summer long.
  • Fuchsia: Fuchsias are a popular choice for hanging baskets because they are very easy to care for and have beautiful, cascading flowers. Fuchsias come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white.
  • Verbena: Verbena is a trailing plant that is known for its bright, colorful flowers. It is a great choice for hanging baskets because it is very easy to care for and will bloom all summer long.
  • Impatiens: Impatiens are a popular choice for hanging baskets because they are very easy to care for and have bright, colorful flowers. Impatiens come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white.
  • Lobelia: Lobelia is a trailing plant that is known for its small, blue flowers. It is a great choice for hanging baskets because it is very easy to care for and will bloom all summer long.
  • Begonias: Begonias are gorgeous flowering plants. They have many different bloom colors to choose from and can handle a bit of drought

Learn how to start seeds indoors here!

hanging basket plants

When choosing plants for hanging baskets, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • Sunlight: Most hanging basket plants need full sun, but some can tolerate partial shade such as Begonia hanging baskets.
  • Water: Hanging basket plants need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. Because they are in baskets they tend to dry out faster.
  • Fertilizer: Hanging basket plants need to be fertilized regularly, especially during the growing season.
  • Deadheading: Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
  • Pests and diseases: Hanging basket plants are susceptible to pests and diseases just like any other plants. It is important to inspect the plants regularly and treat any problems promptly.

Choose plants based on your growing zone, light and space. Follow these great tips to help you succeed with your hanging baskets this season!

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

Herbs You Can Grow for Tea

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There are many herbs that are great for tea. Many are very easy to grow on your own and don’t require a lot of space so my small space gardeners listen up this is for you too! Here are a few of the most popular herbs to grow for Tea:

herbs for tea
  • Chamomile: Chamomile is a calming herb that is often used to help with sleep. It has a sweet, apple-like flavor. It is easy to grow but some have trouble starting from seed.
  • Peppermint: Peppermint is a refreshing herb that can help to soothe an upset stomach. It has a strong, minty flavor. Never and I repeat never plant mint in the ground. It will take over. This herb is best grown in a pot.
  • Ginger: Ginger is a warming herb that can help to relieve nausea and motion sickness. It has a spicy, gingery flavor. Ginger requires a long growing season so start your tubers early indoors.
  • Echinacea: Echinacea is an immune-boosting herb that can help to fight off colds and flu. It has a slightly bitter flavor. Echinacea is not only good for your but it also has gorgeous blooms!
  • Hibiscus: Hibiscus is a tart, fruity herb that can help to lower blood pressure. It has a bright pink color. The hibiscus also has gorgeous tropical blooms in many different colors.
  • Lavender: Lavender is a calming herb that can help to relieve stress and anxiety. It has a sweet, floral flavor. It can be difficult to start from seed so buying started plants might be best for the new gardeners.
  • Rosemary: Rosemary is a stimulating herb that can help to improve memory and concentration. It has a piney, rosemary flavor.
  • Thyme: Thyme is a flavorful herb that can be used to add depth to any tea. It has a slightly minty, thyme flavor.

These are just a few of the many herbs that can be used to make tea. You can experiment with different herbs to find your favorites.

herbs for tea

When making tea with herbs, it is important to use fresh herbs whenever possible. Dried herbs can be used, but they will not have as strong of a flavor.

To make tea with herbs, simply add the desired amount of herbs to a cup of hot water. Steep the tea for 3-5 minutes, or until the desired flavor is achieved. Strain the tea and enjoy.

You can also add other ingredients to your herbal tea, such as honey, lemon, or milk. These ingredients can enhance the flavor of the tea and make it more enjoyable.

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

How to Grow Petunias from Seed

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Petunias are a beautiful flowering annual plant that you can easily grow from seed. Annual plants provide you season long color in the garden with their continuous blooming and fast growth habits. When planning your annual garden be sure to think about color, growth habit and sun needs. Petunias are hungry plants meaning they love to be fertilized and they love water

petunia flowers growing in garden

Here are the steps on how to grow petunias from seed:

  1. Start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date or earlier for early blooms.
  2. Fill a seed starting tray with a sterile seed starting mix.
  3. Sprinkle the petunia seeds on top of the soil.
  4. Lightly cover the seeds with more soil.
  5. Mist the soil with water.
  6. Cover the seed starting tray with plastic wrap or a clear lid.
  7. Place the seed starting tray in a warm, sunny spot or under grow lights.
  8. Remove the plastic wrap or lid once the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have their first set of true leaves.
  9. Thin the seedlings so that there is only one seedling per cell.
  10. Fertilize the seedlings with a weak solution of liquid fertilizer once a week.
  11. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a few hours each day, before transplanting them outdoors after your last frost date.
  12. Water the petunias regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
  13. Fertilize the petunias every 2-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  14. Deadhead the petunias regularly to encourage new blooms.
  15. Enjoy your beautiful petunias!
close up photograph of petunia flowers in bloom
Red Petunias

Here are some additional tips for growing petunias from seed:

  • Use a good quality seed starting mix.
  • Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Fertilize the seedlings regularly.
  • Harden off the seedlings before transplanting them outdoors.
  • Water the petunias regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
  • Fertilize the petunias every 2-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Deadhead the petunias regularly to encourage new blooms.
  • Protect the petunias from pests and diseases.

With a little care and attention, you can easily grow beautiful petunias from seed. Petunia do so well planted in containers or in ground.

Happy Gardening!

Ciearra

5 Reasons Your Elephant Ear Bulb Won’t Grow

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We’ve all been there! You planted your Elephant Ear bulb and it’s been a few weeks and nothing is happening. I’ve got you covered and more than likely your bulb is just fine!

5 Reasons your Elephant Ear Bulb Has not Sprouted!

Elephant ear plant

It’s still dormant

Elephant ear bulbs can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to wake up. Patience is a virtue when you are starting Elephant Ear plants from bulbs.

It’s too wet

I hate to say it but overwatering is one of the big reasons why Elephant Ears do not sprout. It’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to watering. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

It’s too Cold

When it comes to waking up elephant ear bulbs you will want to maintain a minimum temperature 65 degrees in order to spur the bulbs to break dormancy. Using a seed starting heat mat can help maintain warmth if your room or space is cool.

It’s too Dry

For your Elephant Ear Bulbs to break dormancy it needs to remain moist. Having a dry bulb in soil it not typically enough to encourage the bulbs to wake. For success water your bulbs when the soil has dried halfway down in the pot.

Elephant Ear bulb
Potted Elephant Ear Plant

It Needs more time

I know that it can take a while but growing Elephant Ear Bulbs need time. When your bulbs are fully asleep it can take a while for them to wake all the way up. I have started bulbs in mid February only to have them wake up in June and July. Most if conditions are right wake up much sooner than that.

Tips

If you are worried about your bulb you can pull the soil back until you see the top of the bulb. Use your finger to press around the top to confirm that the bulb is still firm. If it is firm then your bulb is likely fine.

If when you pull back the soil and you see growth then you know your bulb is up and you can cover it back with soil and continue with regular care.

Elephant Ear Plants are no doubt gorgeous plants to have in your garden. They provide that tropical feel that for a second makes you think you are on an exotic vacation.

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

How to Grow Dahlia From Seed

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I don’t know if you know this but Dahlias are so easy to grow from seed. They make beautiful cut flowers adding whimsy and wonder to any garden they reside. You can start your Dahlias from seed outside directly in the garden or start them early indoors and get a jump on the garden season.

This blog post may contain affiliate links and if you make a purchase you will be helping me continue my love and passion for gardening.

close up of dahlia blooming outdoors

Before you begin you will need to source out Dahlia seeds. There are many retailers that will have seeds in stores starting in January and sometimes earlier. If you want more variety than what’s in store I suggest ordering online. Here are some of my favorite places to shop online.

Park Seed

Seedville USA

Amazon

Etsy

Now that you’ve got your seeds it’s time to decide when and how you want to plant them. The easiest way to start Dahlias from seed is to plant them directly in the garden after your first frost date. You will follow the depth requirements on the seed packet then once planted water them in and let nature do the rest! Kidding, well not entirely. You will need to keep watch for birds and other critters that would love to dig up and eat your seeds

Inside or Out?

gardener planting seeds on a tray of soil

Outside

Whether you start your Dahlia seeds inside or out is up to you. Both options are wonderful depending on your situation. Starting your Dahlia seeds outside will be the easiest by far but you will have to deal with pest pressure.

Birds, chipmunks, squirrels among many others will be after your seeds as soon as your plant them in the ground. Aside from watering nature will take care of them for you. You will have stronger seedlings that grow into healthy plants.

Follow the planting guide on the seed packet for planting outside in ground. You will likely need to plant your seeds about 2 inches apart and and inch or so down in the soil.

If you also love Zinnias you can learn how to grow them here!

Inside

To grow indoors you are going to need patience and space because Dahlias sprout and grow very fast! Here’s what you need to get your Dahlias started.

Seed Starting Supplies

Seed Starting Mix

Small Pots

Grow Light

Dahlia Seeds

You can get high tech/ expensive with seed starting if you want, but you can totally do it low cost. All you need is what’s listed above. Using seed starting mix when starting seeds indoors is important because seed starting soil is sterile. Potting soil can have bacteria that can aid in seedling death called damping off. So you need to keep clean tools, pots and soil for the best germination rates.

a close up shot of a dahlia flower in full bloom

How to grow Dahlia From Seed

Fill your pots with seed starting mix then depending on the size of your pots plant your seeds 1/2 inch down, cover with soil and water them. Be prepared to keep your seed mix consistently moist. Dry soil can be the death of young seedlings

If you don’t have strong window light or overhead grow lights you will get leggy (stretched) seedlings. While you can grow your seeds in a window sill but I highly recommend you get a grow light or two.

Aside from overhead lighting you will want to keep your seedlings in a warm area of your home. Sunflower seeds don’t need to much heat to germinate but do best in a warm room.

Dahlia Sprouts

Once your Dahlia seeds sprout you will want to make sure to keep the soil moist, light consistent and the space warm. Seedlings need at least 13 hours of daylight. This is made easier by the use of artificial lights. You can leave your grow lights on for at max 16 hours a day to keep your seedlings happy.

When you begin seeing roots growing from the bottom of your pots it’s time to repot your plants. If your outdoor temps are warm enough ( Above 46 degrees at night) you can transition your seedlings into your garden.

To learn how to transition your seeds I recommend you read this post!

If it’s not yet time to plant your seedlings outside then continue with regular care until the weather is right. You may have to repot your seedlings several times before transitioning them out into the garden.

Planting Outside

Once you’ve transitioned your seedlings it’s time to plant. You can plant your seedlings in containers, raised beds or in ground. When you plant be sure to use an organic fertilizer to feed your plant. Annuals grow quite fast and are very heavy feeders so make sure to provide them with fertilizer all season long.

pink ball dahlia flower in selective focus photography

Growing Dahlia from seed is such a great way to add beauty and life into the garden and what’s amazing is that you can collect seeds from your own plants and grow your own stock year after year. Dahlias are amazing in potting arrangements and come in so many different heights. You can add them to your landscape or in a cut flower garden.

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

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