Roses, rhododendrons, wild flowers or hydrangeas – whatever your bloom of choice may be – filling your piece of paradise with vibrant floral displays will bring joy on a daily basis! Find out how to grow beautiful flowers below.
Prepare
Before choosing what flowers to plant in your garden, consider the following:
- Is your garden in sun or shade, or a blend of the two? Some flowering plants will not grow in shade and others prefer it.
- What are the climate conditions and limitations of where you live? Some plants require heavy winter chilling, or constant sun to bloom. Others don’t like high humidity or can’t cope with frost.
- How much time do you have? This will help determine the size of the garden and the varieties of flowers chosen.
Roses, cyclamen, daisies, geraniums, petunias, dahlias, gardenia and Daphne are great options for containers.
The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like sheep pellets and compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Rose & Shrub Mix. If planting in pots, containers or hanging baskets, fill with Tui Rose & Shrub Mix.
Plant
If you’re a first time gardener you may find it easier to grow from seedlings, rather than seeds, although seeds are a more economical option. Check seed packets or plant labels for individual planting instructions. The best times to plant are early in the morning or late in the day, so the plants aren’t exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Directions for planting in garden beds:
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Partly fill the hole with Tui Rose & Shrub Mix.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Rose & Shrub Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well.
Tui Tip: When planting several flowers at once, it is just as easy to add a layer of the mix to the whole area before planting.
Directions for planting in pots and containers:
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Partly fill your container with Tui Rose & Shrub Mix.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the container.
- Fill your container with Tui Rose & Shrub Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Tap the container gently on the ground to settle the mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well.
Tui Tip: Tui Rose & Shrub Mix can be used during the growing season as a mulch for your flower garden. Apply a 5cm deep layer around plants for an added boost of nutrients and protection from extremes in temperatures. Take care to keep mulch from touching the plant stem as this can cause rot.
Nourish
Feed your plants and they will reward you. Plants use nutrients from the soil as they grow, so replenishing the nutrients ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Select a fertiliser specially blended for your flowers like the Tui Food range, or use an all purpose variety, such as Tui NovaTec Premium fertiliser. To encourage prolonged flowering, remove spent flower heads. Well watered, well nourished flowers will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay.
Tui Tips:
- Spring is the best time to feed most plants. Apply Tui NovaTec Premium Fertiliser in spring and again in autumn if required. If your plants prefer acidic soils apply Tui Acid Food.
- Bulbs require an application of Tui Bulb Food in autumn and again after flowering.
- Roses thrive on Tui Rose Food in spring once the ground has warmed and again in late summer.
- Protect your plants with layers of mulch, to help keep their roots moist, prevent weeds from establishing and ensure the garden looks tidy. Tui Mulch & Feed improves soil structure by adding organic matter and increasing aeration and water holding capacity.