Here are the dahlia seeds that I planted today. Size and appearance reminds me of zinnia seeds. I used regular potting soil, and re-usable eight-packs from last year.
Those are dwarf sized dahlia varieties, although possibly not as dwarf as the two that I bought at Winco last year. Also, I stored those dry in their containers over the winter. I'll wait a month to see if they have viable-looking tubers.
The portulaca is for later. Maybe tomorrow.
Here are some of the bulbs I planted last fall in containers.
They grew a bit uneven. There appear to be lots more bulbs to bloom.
There is some slug damage. I gave them all slug bait today.
I planted a few lily bulbs in a somewhat derelict half wine barrel.
I bought these in January, thinking the bulbs would keep better in my chilly garage than in the dry warmer store.
I think I was right. Even though growth was about an inch, it looked plump and healthy.
In my garden, lilies don't survive being planted in the earth. They disappear. They do fine in containers. I think it's the underground fauna eating them.
I've been up-potting more of the chili pepper seedlings. Now the Serranos, Cayennes, and Jalafeugos have their own containers.
They will not dry out so fast now. This leaves the Thai peppers.
It's soon for an update, but they are thriving. I set them outside in sunny / overcast weather for abput half the day now.
I think I wont prune back any more until after the bloom again. I don't know when that will be. Maybe June.
This is the Bi-Mart one that I rescued. Now I can see the new blossom buds are scarlet. I had a little buyers remorse, seeing the sort of mauve color of mature blossoms. The red buds are better.
That one needs a new container and new soil. I need to free up a container for that.
Here is the dark red one I bought at Safeway. It's ideal so far. Also needs larger container and better soil soon.
