We feel the soil warming and the days lengthening, a signal for us to break our winter dormancy. This is our most vigorous growth period. Please divide any overgrown clumps of us now, just as our new shoots (called "eyes") emerge a few inches from the ground. Gently lift our entire root mass from the earth and tease or cut us apart into smaller sections, each with several healthy shoots and ample roots. Replant us promptly, water us deeply, and apply a layer of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to fuel our rapid development. Keep our soil consistently moist as we push our foliage skyward.
As the heat intensifies, our flower buds form and we prepare for our main display. Our primary request during this season is for consistent moisture. Our shallow root systems dry out quickly under the strong sun, so deep, regular watering is crucial, especially during extended dry spells. To encourage a longer, more prolific bloom, you can practice "deadheading." Simply snip off our spent flowers just above a set of leaves. This tells our energy to go into producing more blooms rather than setting seed. For taller varieties among us, we may become top-heavy. Please provide support with stakes or grow-through rings to keep our stems upright and proud during summer storms.
We are in our full glory now, bursting with fiery hues of red, orange, and gold. Continue to deadhead us to prolong the floral show right up until the first frost. However, towards the end of the season, you may choose to leave a few spent flowers on our stems. The seeds within provide a vital food source for foraging birds, and the interesting textural seed heads add winter interest to the garden. As our foliage begins to yellow and die back after a hard frost, it is time to help us prepare for rest. Please refrain from cutting us down to the ground yet; our standing stems help protect our crown through the winter.
Our life force has retreated into our roots below the soil surface, where we wait in a dormant state for spring's return. Once the ground has frozen, a final light cleanup can be done, cutting our stems back to about 4-6 inches above the ground. The most important care you can provide now is insulation. Apply a generous layer of loose mulch, such as shredded leaves or straw, over our crown. This blanket protects us from the damaging cycle of freeze-thaw cycles that can heave our roots out of the soil. It also helps to conserve precious soil moisture. Then, you can rest, as we do, knowing we are safely tucked in until the cycle begins anew.
