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Believe it or not, Front Range gardens can burst into bloom in February. A stunning group of hardy little bulbs can be planted now to flower by late winter.
Species crocus, snowdrops, chionodoxa, and even tiny iris offer Colorado gardeners winter blooms. Since these little bulbs feature smaller blooms than their later flowering brethren, they are often called minor bulbs, but the impact of these tiny gems can be major.
The little bulbs bravely peek their flowers up through the snow to remind us that spring is on its way. Unlike some finicky big bulbs, the minor bulbs typically multiply generously in the garden and possess inconspicuous foliage that melts away early in the spring. Moreover, minor bulbs can sometimes be had at a fraction of the cost of the big guys, so that you can afford to plant them in eye-catching masses.
Most people associate crocus with the start of spring, but often gardeners restrict themselves to the familiar Crocus vernus varieties that flower in March. This is a shame as species crocus can offer loads of cheerful blooms weeks earlier. Crocus ancyrensis "Golden Bunch" boasts a vibrant yellow bloom with an orange throat while Crocus biflorus is a lavender beauty. The slightly later blooming Crocus chrysanthus is available in almost every shade of purple, yellow and white, and Crocus tommasinianus is rumored to be squirrel-resistant. All crocus look best planted in full sun along a path or sidewalk where their tiny beauty can be easily admired. In contrast, snowdrops (Galanthus) prefer a bit of shade and look best when sheltered by shrubs and trees. Dark surroundings seem to make their white, nodding, bell-shaped flowers glow.
Chionodoxa, which is commonly called Glory of the Snow, bears little star-shaped flowers along its tiny stem. Violet blue, powder blue, bright pink, and white varieties are available. Chionodoxa looks lovely in rock gardens or planted with daffodils.
The tiny irises thrive in sunny, dry spots and boast truly elegant February flowers. Diminutive Iris reticulata and Iris histriodes come in stunning shades of blue and purple and have a scent that is a little like violets while Iris danfordiae is a shocking acid yellow sure to wake up the neighborhood.
Colorado gardeners can have blooming bulbs in February. Just remember, good things come in small packages.
Q: When should I harvest seed to plant next year?
A: Harvest seed from pods and seed heads once the seeds are dry but before they are dispersed. Harvest seed from fruit while the fruit is ripe, but leave squash and cucumbers on the vine until after frost and then separate the seed from the pulp. Once the seed is dry, you can rub off any chaff and store the seeds in envelopes or paper bags in a cool, dry place.
Q: When should I dig up my cannas?
A: After frost kills the plant's foliage, carefully dig up the roots and bring them indoors. Let the roots dry for a couple of days, and then shake the soil off of them. Pack them in sawdust, perlite, or vermiculite, and store them in a cool, dry place.
Q: I would like to try growing herbs indoors this winter, but last year when I planted some cilantro in a pot, it died the next day. What did I do wrong?
A: I suspect your cilantro didn't really die in one day. It probably just wilted badly from the stress of planting. Often, herbs that we buy in the nursery have grown to be very lush. When we transplant them, the leaves of the herbs often wilt as their stressed out roots can't deliver enough water and nutrients to them to keep them pumped up. This year, when you plant your new herbs, go ahead and cut off the tops of the plants leaving about two inches of new growth. Enjoy cooking with the excess. Also, be sure to plant your herbs in well drained potting soil and place them in a location with adequate light but away from freezing drafts.
Container Plants: Overwinter hardy container plants by removing them from the container and planting them in a permanent home in the ground. Or bury pot and all in the soil or compost pile until spring. Container evergreens can be left in the pot if you give them protection, for example, wrap the container with an old blanket or pile wood around the base. Keep the plant out of the path of winter winds. Terra cotta containers are not recommended for outdoor over wintering.
Back Flow Device Protection: Pay attention to early frosts that can damage or break your back flow device. If a frost is expected, cover your back flow device with a blanket or other insulating material until your sprinkler system is winterized. Schedule your sprinkler blowout (winterization) in mid October.
The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.
Fact Sheets are available at the Larimer County Extension Office, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado, telephone (970) 498-6000, or contact us by e-mail at larimer@coop.ext.colostate.edu
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