Garden Novice here... bloomed out tulips n droppy dahlias

[Thinktinknpixiedust]

Ok... been trying to work my way throught learning all of this garden stuff, so I have few questions. Last fall I planted tulip bulbs and this spring they came out and were perfect! However they are just about done and I want to plant impatients there, like I had before I planted the bulbs... what do I do??

And... last year I planted dahlias and they came up. The flowers were awesome however it looked a little gangly... the stems grew all willynilly and the flowers spent the summer on the ground... what do I do here?

Thanks in advance... I love being outside with my hands in the dirt... I love pulling into my drive and seeing and smelling those wonderful flowers.. I just need to know how to take care of them better.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

You can cut the tulip flowering stems down any time you think they're done. Plant the impatiens all around the dying tulip foliage (don't cut the foliage until utterly brown). The impatiens will hide the process.

When your dahlias first emerge, you can pinch them back to keep them more compact. I pinch them back by half every time they reach a foot or so in height. Stop pinching around the 4th of july and let them bud up.
If you want to stake them, you might try putting hoops in place before they grow too tall. I like the double ones, they seem sturdier for large, heavy plants.

 

[Thinktinknpixiedust]

Wow!! thankyou soooo much for the great tips!! I thought I would have to dig up the tulip bulbs and replant them in the fall if I wanted my impatients back! I am really excited now! Now, when you say pinch back the Dahlias where on the stem should i do that, and does it mean the same as cutting them with shears? Also I have other bulb flowers that fall down when they bloom as well, should I use those single metal holders for those? (I want to say Gladiolas but I don't think I am right.. tall long multiple flowers)...

Can I keep you handy? it sure seems like I could learn alot from you!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I keep my gladiolas in tomato cages to keep them standing straight. They grow from "corms" which are flat and round. If that's the sort of thing that you planted, the flowers probably are gladiolas.

Bobbi

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I agree with Bobbi. The tomato cage thing sounds much sturdier. I occasionally use the single stakes, but find them less than sturdy during heavy wind and rain, or when the plant gets a little top-heavy. I generally use them for irises, which only need a little help at times staying upright.

As to pinching, you can usually do that with your fingers if the growth is tender. Otherwise, it's okay to use pruning shears on thicker stems. Pinch back just above a leaf node (where the leaf joins the main stem) to encourage bushiness.