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Bulbs (Garden Types)
Forcing Technique for Hyacinths, Tulips & Narcissi:
Planting: Choose varieties which are recommended for indoor cultivation and make sure that the bulbs are good –sized, disease-free and firm. Bulb fiber is sometimes used as the growing medium, but if you intend to save the bulbs for garden use after blooming then choose Seed & Cutting Compost. Place a layer of moist compost in the bottom of the bow and set the bulbs on it. They should be close together but must not touch each other nor the sides of the bowl. Never force bulbs downwards into compost. Fill up with more compost, pressing it firmly but not too tightly around the bulbs. When finished the tips should be above the surface and there should be about ½ in. between the top of the compost and rim of the bowl.
Care After Planting: The bulbs need a ‘plunging’ period of complete darkness and a temperature of about 40 F. The best spot is in the garden covering the bowl with about 4 in. of peat. Failing this, place the container in a black polythene bag and stand it in a shed, cellar or garage. Any warmth at this stage will lead to failure. The plunging period lasts for about 6-10 weeks. Check occasionally to make sure that the compost is still moist.
Care During Growth: When the shoots are about 1-2 in. high move the bowl into a cool room indoors – 50 F is the ideal temperature. Place in a shady spot at first, then move near to the window after a few days. The leaves will now develop and in a few weeks the flower buds will appear. Now is the time to move the bowl to the chosen site for flowering. This spot should be bright but not sunny, free from draughts, away from a radiator or heater and not too warm – 60 – 70 F is the ideal. Keep the compost moist at all times. Turn the bowl occasionally so that growth will be seen and provide some support for tall-flowering types. Feed with a liquid fertilizer.
Care After Flowering: Cut off flowers, not flower-stalks. Continue watering and feeding until leaves have withered. Remove bulbs and allow to dry, then remove dead foliage and store in a cool dry place. These bulbs will not provide a second display indoors – plant in the garden in autumn.
Non-Forcing Technique for other bulbs:
Planting: It is essential to choose a container with adequate drainage holes. Place a layer of crocks at the bottom and add a layer of Bulb Fibre or Seed & Cutting Compost. Plant the bulbs closely together and add more compost. The tips of the bulbs should be completely covered.
Care After Planting: Place the post in the garden.
Care During Growth: When the plants are fully grown and flower buds are present bring the pot indoors to the site chosen for flowering. Treat in the same way as forced bulbs.
Care After Flowering: Treat in the same way as forced bulbs. |