It’s still a great time to plant in San Diego gardens, especially with our recent rains. Bare-root trees and plants, summer-blooming bulbs, cool season annuals and winter-blooming succulents are available now.
Buy Bare-Root
Bare-root roses, fruit trees, grapes, cane berries, asparagus and artichokes are available in nurseries this month. Before you purchase a bare-root fruit tree, make sure you are buying the right variety for your garden. Different varieties require a specific number of chill hours to flower and set fruit. (Chill hours are when temperatures are between 32 and 45 degrees.)
The University of California has chill hour charts for different locations in San Diego County. You can find them at the UC Davis Fruit & Nut Research & Information Center.
Make sure the tree will fit in your space. Many fruit trees offer full size, semi-dwarf and dwarf options. Check ripening times, soil requirements and drainage needs to get the best fit for your yard.
Roses, artichokes, asparagus, grapes, rhubarb and cane berries are also available as bare-root plants this month. These are all perennials, so locate them carefully in your San Diego garden.
Plant Colorful Winter Annuals
Plant cool season annuals to fill in bare spots in your garden and add color. Try pansies, violas, African daisies, calendulas, dianthus, Iceland poppies, delphiniums, primroses and snapdragons.
You can keep planting California poppies to add a splash of color to your garden. While their classic bright orange blooms are stunning, there are now several other colors to choose from. California poppies are summer dormant perennials. To encourage a second round of flowers, trim them back after the first bloom. When they’ve finished flowering, cut them to the ground. They’ll return next winter when the rains arrive.
Order and Plant Summer-Blooming Bulbs
Order summer bulbs for planting now through March. Nurseries should also have them in stock. In addition to gladiolus, look for callas, canna, crinums, Crocosmia, dahlias, Eucomis (Pineapple Flower), glory lilies, Lycoris (Spider Lily), Tigridia, tuberoses and Zephyranthes (Fairy Lily).
In frost-free areas, you can plant the amaryllis you forced or received for the holidays. If they’re still blooming indoors, or you’re in a cooler area, wait until spring.
San Diego Gardens Tips Source
A lot of information for San Diego Gardens comes from the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County. They are a great resource for all of your gardening needs including planting, pests, vegetables, and water use. They even have a free hotline where you can get your home gardening and pest control problems answered.