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December Dahlia

December Garden Checklist

The final month of the year is here, and so is the full blaze of summer! What a treat to kick off your mornings pottering around the garden (bonus points if you do it with a cuppa in hand).

December is the season for hosting friends and family, but it is also prime time for sneaky escapes and travel. Whether you are glued to your garden or just giving it a passing glance before jetting off, we have got you covered.

Here is your foolproof guide to keep your garden thriving and strutting its stuff all summer. Dive in to see what is on the December Garden Checklist!


Plant Summer Bulbs

It is still prime time to get those summer stunners in the ground! From amaryllis to dahlias and everything in between, you have plenty of choices. Fancy a touch of fragrance? Go for tuberose. Craving exotic charm? Hymenocallis has you covered with her sweet scent and unique blooms.

Summer bulbs bring pure magic to the garden, so if you haven’t planted yours yet, don’t fret—it’s not too late! Follow the instructions on the pack, or drop the lovely petalpixies@hadeco.co.za a line if you are feeling unsure. Just be sure to pamper those bulbs with enriched soil, a cosy mulch blanket and deep watering for a truly spellbinding display.


Last Chance to Plant Dahlia 

December’s heating up, and dahlias are ready to bring the drama! Plant these superstar bulbs now for a dazzling display that will light up your garden during summer and well into autumn.

Perfect for containers or adding flair to your mixed perennial borders, dahlias are the gift that keeps on giving. Don’t miss out—get planting and let the flower show begin!



Dahlia

Feed Your Summer Bulbs After Flowering 

When your summer bulbs have flaunted their final blooms, it is time to give them a well-deserved feast with Hadeco Bulb Food. Treat them to a weekly serving of nutrients to keep them happy and healthy until dormancy sets in.


You will know they are ready for their beauty sleep when their leaves start to yellow—typically between March and June, depending on the bulbs. Keep them nourished, and they will repay you with an even more spectacular show next season!


Cut Some Flowers for the Vase

Like with dahlia, many summer bulbs make spectacular cut flowers, namely gladioli, spider lilies (Hymenocallis), tuberose (Polianthes), Crocosmia, and calla (Zantedeschia) and pineapple lilies (Eucomis). So, if yours are already in bloom, get cutting and bring some of their marvellous beauty indoors.With dahlias, the more you cut, the more they bloom—so don’t hold back. Your flowers are basically begging for a trim.

Once you have got your floral haul, pick a vase or vessel worthy of their beauty. Give it a good scrub, fill it with fresh water, and add a drop of Chrysal Liquid Flower Food. This magic potion not only keeps the water sparkling but also helps your flowers stay fabulous for longer. Now sit back and enjoy your garden's A-list performance indoors!



Use Amaryllis as Festive Decor 

December and amaryllis go hand in hand—a sparkling symbol of beauty and a must-have for festive celebrations. These versatile blooms are perfect for adding a touch of magic to the season.

Whether you plant them yourself for quick flowering or pick up potted ones from your local retailer, amaryllis offers endless possibilities. Use them as cut flowers, grow them hydroponically, or create show-stopping displays.

Unleash your inner stylist with a mix of white, red, and pink amaryllis to wow your guests at your next gathering. Festive florals have never looked so fabulous! 

Amaryllis

Plant out annuals for instant colour 

While you wait for your cherished bulbs to break through the soil, why not brighten up the space with a splash of annuals? They will nourish the bees and your soul while your bulbs grow. Annuals add a lively touch to your garden and pair beautifully with bulbs, creating a harmonious display. Plus, they double as living mulch, keeping the soil cosy and protected. Now that is what we call beauty with a purpose!


Let your winter and spring bulbs get their beauty rest 

As your summer bulbs begin to thrive, your winter and spring flowers are settling in for a well-deserved nap. Don’t worry, most of them will return next year, with a few exceptions—like tulips, Dutch iris, and ranunculus that can't handle South Africa's warm spring and summer temperatures.

So, while some take a break, others are gearing up for another show next season!


Lift or leave these bulbs 

When it comes to the bulbs that have gone into dormancy, you may lift or leave them. Here is a quick guide to leaving or lifting your winter and spring bulbs.


Allium- leave

Babiana- leave

Daffodils - leave

Freesia - leave or lift

Hyacinths - lift

Hyacinthoides - leave

Ipheion- leave

Ixia- leave or lift

Muscari- leave

Ornithogalum- leave or lift

Sparaxis- leave or lift

Tritonia- leave or lift


During dormancy, it is best to let your bulbs rest by halting watering entirely. A little rain now and then is no problem, as long as the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging.


If you are planning to lift your bulbs, gently dust them off and store them in a crate or a ventilated brown paper bag. Keep them in a cool, dry spot until planting time rolls around again in April or May, ensuring they are ready to burst back into life.


Summer dormancy is also the perfect opportunity for lifting and dividing your bulbs, giving them a fresh start and keeping them thriving for seasons to come!


Try something new like planting your own bonsai 

The December break is the perfect time to shake things up and try something new. Why not plant something a little outside your usual? With our Pokon Bundles, all you need is a plant or seed—everything else is taken care of! And here’s the kicker: the Pokon Bundle makes a fantastic gift for the plant lovers in your life.


So, here’s to happy gardening and an even happier festive season! So, here’s to happy gardening and an even happier festive season!

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