Saving the flower bulbs against extreme heat

Horticulturalists discuss gardening precautions for extreme weather conditions

KARACHI:

It’s that time of the year again — the scorching heat of summer is fast approaching, and while the summer sun will make you think twice before setting foot outside your house, the newly blossomed seasonal flowers at nurseries are sure to catch your attention. As much as you feel tempted to bring home bulbs of every colour to plant in your garden, make sure you know the precautions that should be taken for these delicate beauties to flourish through the harsh season.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Raheela Irfan and Jawad Qadir, horticulturalists from Karachi and Lahore respectively, share their experiences on how to save flower bulbs from being destroyed in extreme weather conditions, irrespective of the season.

According to Irfan, Orchid is the best flower to grow during spring in Karachi. “The most common exotic plant is Orchid. It is easy to grow in Karachi but requires more care in Lahore and Islamabad.” She mentions that a variety of exotic flowers found in Karachi range from lilies, amaryllis and freesias to different types of bamboos. While Irfan cites Orchid as the best flower to grow during the Karachi spring, Qadir feels otherwise about Lahore. Mentioning an entire list of flowers and shrubs that can be grown during spring in Punjab, he adds “Zinnia, Portulaca, Cosmos, Gomphrena, Sunflower, Kochia, Gailardia, Morning glories, Periwinkle and Caladium Bulbs can all be found in Punjab.”



However, both Irfan and Qadir feel that having the know-hows of saving these flower bulbs from extreme summer is what is more important. On the same note, Irfan mentions it is essential the bulbs are kept away from any eatables in the fridge. “To save bulbs, we have to stop watering them and let the foliage dry completely. We then put them in a cool and dark place to dry. After two to three weeks they can be wrapped in a newspaper and kept in the fridge until the next sowing season,” she says. Concurring with her, Qadir also feels that saving flower bulbs from deteriorating in the summer is no easy feat.  “One not only needs to wrap them in a newspaper but also place them in a shady and airy place.” According to him, the Dutch Iris, Buttercup, Anemone plant, Freesia, Gladiolus and Amaryllis are among the myriad of bulbs that can be protected easily and do not need ample care.



However, these solutions are nonetheless temporary. Qadir shares that irrigation is the key to success during peak summer season in order to avoid the leaves from burning. “Many of our ornamental plants, especially foliage plants are of tropical origin. When Mercury rises to 45 degrees celsius, the leaves of these plants start to burn.” Qadir states the use of green net-shade as one of the solutions to this problem. “Sago Palm, Dracaena, and Schefflera need green net-shade in May and June. When a plant tells us that it needs water, then it is too late.” Agreeing with Qadir, Irfan also suggests green net-shade as the best remedy for decaying foliage plants. “Hot summers are the worst part of the year for gardeners. The only cure is to use green-net shade.”

If the green net-shade works best for foliage plant, what is the therapy for others?  “Green-net where possible is a good option for foliage plants. But, other plants don’t like green-net for long,” adds Qadir. Searching a possible cure for other plants, Qadir recommends the use of chemical fertilisers such as Nitrogen N and Phosphorous P. Furthermore, according to him, mowing once or twice a week and turf grass management are also important because they help control the spread of weed. While Qadir gives synthetic solutions such as these to counter the problems caused by summer heat, Irfan quips how even tall trees in gardens can help protect smaller plants by providing shade to them. “We can also keep them in verandas and other open places,” she concludes.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2016.

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