March serves as a pivotal gateway in the horticultural calendar, offering a dual opportunity for gardeners to secure a vibrant landscape for the months ahead. While the ground begins to thaw, the window opens for planting summer-flowering favorites outdoors and accelerating growth for more delicate varieties under glass. From the architectural height of gladioli to the exotic flair of pineapples lilies, this month dictates the success of the midsummer garden.
Distinguishing Between Seasonal Bulbs
Success in the garden begins with understanding the distinction between the two primary categories of bulbs. Most gardeners are familiar with spring-blooming varieties like tulips and daffodils, which are typically interred during the autumn. However, those who missed the autumn deadline can still find “in the green” specimens—plants sold while actively growing—at nurseries now for immediate transition into the soil.
Conversely, the current focus is on summer-flowering bulbs, such as dahlias, begonias, and cannas. These varieties require spring planting to establish the root systems necessary for a lush, colorful display from July through the first autumn frosts.
Strategies for Outdoor Planting
For those in milder climates, several resilient varieties can be introduced directly to the garden beds between March and April.
- Dahlias: These rewarding tubers should be buried 10–15 cm deep in rich, well-drained soil. Because they can reach significant heights, spacing them 60–90 cm apart is essential. To prevent root damage later, it is advisable to place support stakes in the ground at the time of planting.
- Gladioli: Known for their tall spikes, gladioli thrive in full sun and well-drained earth. Experts recommend “succession planting”—sowing batches of corms every two weeks until May—to ensure a continuous harvest of cut flowers throughout the season.
- Hardy Gems: Crocosmia, particularly the vibrant ‘Lucifer’ cultivar, and the exotic Eucomis (Pineapple Lily) are excellent choices for sunny borders. Crocosmia should be planted in clusters for visual impact, while Eucomis benefits from the heat reflected by a south-facing wall.
The Indoor Advantage: Forcing Early Blooms
In cooler regions, starting tender bulbs indoors provides a necessary head start. Modern gardeners utilize windowsills or frost-free greenhouses to jumpstart dahlias and begonias.
Dahlias should be placed in moist compost with the crown slightly exposed, while tuberous begonias—ideal for shaded corners—should be pressed hollow-side up into a growing medium. Cannas, which deliver a tropical aesthetic, require a 24-hour warm water soak to break dormancy before being potted and kept at temperatures above 18°C. These specimens must be “hardened off”—gradually acclimated to outdoor temperatures—before being moved to their final positions in late May.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
To ensure a professional-grade display, soil preparation is paramount. Incorporating grit or well-rotted organic matter into heavy clay soil prevents the rot that often plagues bulbs in waterlogged conditions. Once active growth emerges, gardeners should apply a high-potassium liquid fertilizer, such as tomato feed, every two weeks to prioritize flower production over foliage.
Protection remains a constant theme in early spring. Young shoots are highly susceptible to late frosts and hungry gastropods. Utilizing horticultural fleece during cold snaps and employing biological controls, such as nematodes, can protect vulnerable emerging growth from slugs and wine weevils. By following this staged approach, gardeners can transform the quiet of March into a spectacular, long-lasting summer exhibition.