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Can I replant flower bulbs after two days?

Newish gardener here, with 3 amateur questions: I planted Crocosimia and Galtonia bulbs 1/2 inch deep on Monday. This morning I learned they should be 4-inches deep. Should I dig them up and replant, or leave them where they are?

Also, is it OK to use seeds and bulbs bought in 2009?

Is it too early to plant summer squash seeds in the ground? The packet says "2-4 weeks after last frost" and that the soil should be 65 to 70 degrees, so I'm 1-for-2.

Thank you!

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  • Dsc_0339_small
    Reputation: 675

    You have three great questions and I have info to share!

    1. Bulbs: Yes, dig up those bulbs and re-plant. I just bought my favorite Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ last week and the package confirms to plant in full sun and at a depth of 4”. I think this is a little deep for such small bulbs and you can get a way at a depth of 2-3”. Here’s the general rule for planting bulbs: Plant flower bulbs at a depth of between 2 – 2 ½ times the size of the bulbs. Also, make sure they are not upside down. Plant pointed end up and roots down.

    3. Planting two year old seeds and bulbs:  You can plant your seeds, but check the expiration date on the package. The seeds may or may not be viable.  If you want to make certain your old seeds are OK, you could perform an easy germination test--From Holly Kennell, King County Co-op Extension: If you keep your seeds cool and dry, they will last longer, but can you be sure that they are still good? If they are, you can save yourself some money. Before you order your new seed, do a germination test on any seeds more than just one year old. Here's what to do:

    1. Put exactly ten seeds on top of a damp, folded paper towel.
    2. Put the towel and seeds into a plastic sandwich bag and seal.
    3. Label the container with the date and seed variety being tested.
    4. Leave at room temperature for a week or so. (Leave parsley, carrot and celery longer; they're slow.)
    5. Count the number of seeds that sprout:
    a. 10 = 100% or perfect germination
    b. 9 = 90% or excellent
    c. 8 = 80% or good d. 6-7 = 60-70% or poor -- sow more thickly
    e. 5 or less = 50% or less -- throw the seed out!
    http://gardening.wsu.edu/library/vege004/vege004.htm

    Now, what about old bulbs? Many gardeners plant bulbs and tubers every spring and dig them up in the fall and store in a cool garage. Prior to planting again in the spring, always carefully inspect the bulbs for signs of disease and re-plant the healthy bulbs and discard the unhealthy bulbs. Now, if you’ve discovered some old bulbs that have never been planted, you could plant, but I wouldn’t expect lovely flowers or foliage. Often, the bulbs are dry, shriveled, and no longer viable and should be discarded.  If you aren't sure, give it a try.

    3. Summer Squash is a warm weather Squash. WSU Cooperative Extension recommends planting Summer Squash seeds indoors in May-June in peat pots. http://king.wsu.edu/gardening/documents/8StartingCropsOutdoors-Indoors_001.pdf
    Ed Hume (Gardening with Ed Hume, 2003) recommends sowing seeds outdoors in mid- to late May.

    Gardeners are often faced with the question of what is the frost date for my area. Typically the last frost date for Seattle is March 23. For more information about frost dates in Puget Sound, see: http://www.king.wsu.edu/gardening/documents/40ClimateMicroclimatesandFrostDates.pdf

    I hope this info is useful.  Please feel free to ask for more info and I'll do my best to help.  Enjoy the sun and Happy Gardening!

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  • Photo_small
    Reputation: 1254
    Moderator

    Yes to replanting the bulbs! Not sure about the other questions.

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