Spring and associated spring gardening supposedly do not begin for another two weeks. However, a large terrier-like rodent named Phil in Punxsutawney, Penn., believes that spring has already sprung. I am not sure what to believe, but spring bulbs like daffodils, crocus and grape hyacinth must agree with Phil. Many have already finished bloom. Those that were planted late may continue for a while. Faded flowers should be pruned off because subsequent development of seed requires resources that would otherwise be diverted into replacement bulbs for next year. Foliage sustains these bulbs as they develop, so should remain until it withers.

Summer bulbs and "bulb-like" perennials like gladioulus, cannas, callas and dahlias can be planted about now between late winter and spring. Like many spring bulbs, gladioulus can be planted in phases every week or so to prolong bloom. Later phases will bloom as earlier phases are finishing. Cannas, callas and dahlias will only begin to bloom later in summer but will bloom continually until autumn or winter dormancy, so they should be planted as soon as practical without subsequent phases.

Warm season annuals can be planted anytime, but it is not yet so warm that cool season annuals must be replaced. Established stock, viola, pansy, nemesia and schizanthus may continue to perform until warm summer weather. Lobelia, alyssum, marigold and petunias planted about now will continue until cool weather next autumn and winter. It is still too early for annuals that really like heat, such as zinnias and portulaca.

Many of the warm season vegetables can likewise be planted about now as cool season vegetables are finishing. It is almost too late to sow seed for more radishes, carrots, beets and peas, but those sown earlier may continue to produce for a while. Broccoli and cauliflower should be finishing soon. Seedlings of vegetables that like heat, such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplant can be planted now to get an early start as weather gets warmer. Seed of squash, melons, beans and corn can be sown later. They grow so rapidly from seed that they do not benefit as much from an early start as seedlings do. Production of corn can, of course, be prolonged by planting in phases, by planting varieties that mature at different rates (early, mid-season and late) or by planting phases of varieties that mature at different rates, if that isn't too confusing.

Flower of the Week:
Flowering quince

Flowering quince, Chaenomeles spp., is a classic flowering shrub that is perhaps more common among old Victorian gardens than in contemporary landscapes. The double or ruffled white, pink or pale pink flowers of some of the more popular contemporary cultivars were ironically developed to resemble the generally single blooms of older cultivars that are actually more variable and brightly colored. Although white and pink have always been popular, color range of flowering quince also includes many shades of pink, orange and red that seem to have been developed by Mary Kay. Coral, salmon, peach, apricot, cherry, rose, tomato and others may be out of the visual range of most men. Bloom may be as early as that of related flowering pear.

Size and structure of the various cultivars of flowering quince are also quite variable. Some are very dense and less than 2 feet tall. Others may be as tall as 8 feet. Most are thorny and some might produce a few small fruit. If pruning becomes necessary, it can be done during or immediately prior to bloom so that some of the blooming stems may be placed in water and enjoyed inside.

Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.