Astilbe planting instructions

📅  When to plant your Astilbe bulbs:

The optimal time to plant Astilbe bulbs is during the fall or early spring. Planting in the fall allows the bulbs to establish roots before the winter dormancy period, ensuring healthy growth in the subsequent growing season. 

In colder climates, where the ground may freeze during the winter, consider planting in early spring after the last frost. Spring planting will give the bulbs time to develop and produce beautiful plumes of feathery flowers in the summer months.

As soon as you receive your Astilbe bulbs, and the ground is workable, you may plant them.

📦 Storing your Astilbe bulbs until planting:

When your Anemone bulbs arrive, the first step is to check them carefully for any damage or signs of disease. 

If you aren't ready to plant your bulbs immediately upon arrival, store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. This will prevent them from drying out and keep them healthy until you're ready to plant. Place it in a paper bag or wrap it in newspaper.

🌿 Preparing your garden for planting:

Astilbe bulbs thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0-6.5). Choose a location that receives partial shade to full shade, as Astilbe prefers a cooler environment. Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) and mix in some organic matter or compost to enrich the soil and improve drainage.

🌱 How to plant your Astilbe bulbs:

• Dig a hole about 3 inches (7.5 cm) deep and place the bulb with the pointed side facing up. Space the bulbs about 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) apart, depending on the size of your Astilbe variety. 
• Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it down to remove air pockets. 
• Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting to encourage root growth.

💧 Watering & care:

Astilbe plants prefer consistently moist soil, so it is important to water them regularly, especially during dry periods. Not sure when and how much to water them? A good thumb rule is to water the plant deeply when the top 2 inches of soil are dry (just feel this with your finger). 

🌸 How to keep your Astilbes blooming?

• Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. 
• Remove any faded flower spikes to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. 
• You can also apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.