February
2006
By
B. Rosie Lerner
Extension Consumer Horticulturist
Purdue University
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Mild Weather Pushes Up The Bulbs
It's not unusual for Indiana weather to have trouble deciding what season
it is. Recent warm spells have had many gardeners wondering what to do
about bulbs -- and, perhaps, a few other plants that are poking their
foliage through the soil.
As I write this article, temperatures started out in the 50s and are expected
to drop to the upper 20s by tonight! Just what should gardeners do about
daffodils, dianthus and daylilies poking out of the ground?
The good news is that no action is really required. Although we're more
used to seeing this happen later in winter during a February warm spell,
this certainly isn't the first time that it has happened in January. The
plants will survive just fine, though they may look a little worse for
wear.
The longer the mild weather stays around, the more potential there is
for damage when the weather returns to normal winter. Foliage that has
popped up will be killed back, but the bulbs and storage roots of other
perennials should remain undamaged underground. As the plants completely
push out in spring, the damaged foliage will appear brown, giving plants
a raggedy appearance. But the plants themselves should be fine.
I wouldn't expect flower buds to be affected much at this early stage
of development. But, of course, there is plenty more winter and opportunity
for more fluctuating temperatures yet to come. There isn't much we can
do about the weather but sit back and wait to see what Mother Nature has
in store for us!
1-19-06
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