They dally an crucial Part in Beautifying Gardens Throughout the Greater Part of the Year
Most surely throughout the yr no flowers are more welcome than those of the bulb ( see Bulb ) which herald the spring and stay on in a glorious pageantry of color until the first of the summer blooms commence to unfold . And the fact that they are among the soft of plant to grow successfully in all types of grime , thriving equally well in town and land garden , is another guarantee of their persistent and increasing popularity . Indeed , it is difficult to plant too many of them even in the little garden , but , like all other cosmetic flora , they do repay any limited attention we may give them , peculiarly in the initial soil preparation .
In the garden , as distinct from their use for home and greenhouse decoration , in their dissimilar types thespring bulbs can be used in a mixed bag of wayswith delicious effect . Some , like crocus , Daffodils , and Snowdrops , are loveliest when planted in forage or open woodland where they may remain undisturbed for many years ; in line with which , the Tulips and Hyacinths make a magnificent show when plant en masse in schematic bedding schemes . Many of the smaller bulb flower — Chionodoxa , Muscari , Scilla , Crocus and Narcissus specie , and the modest bulbous Irises — are ideal subjects for the rock garden and often seed themselves about freely , while all are worthy for the mixed blossom borders where the foreground is of nanus carpet plants among which the small-scale electric-light bulb can be allow undisturbed and when they die down will leave no unsightly gap .
Daffodils and other Narcissi . One reward of Daffodils and other Narcissi is that their colors harmonize well with all other flush of their time of year , and no matter where they are planted they rarely look out of spot .
In the Flower Borders . They are admirable issue for the herbaceous boundary line to bring color to this luck of the garden when it is most needed . If planted in small group , say half a dozen bulb of each form , towards the front of the mete , quite a large selection of the choicer Trumpet Daffodils and largeand small - cupped Narcissi can be grow successfully with very fiddling hoo-ha for 3 or 4 year , after which , with the other occupier of the boundary line , they can be lifted and replant . If the margin is edged with Nepeta , so much the well ; for Daffodils planted , and they are the loveliest of all flowers lovely bounce show , and by and by their dying foliage will be blot out from sentiment by the Nepeta .
Daffodils and other Narcissi are not generally recommend for courtly bedding schemes on chronicle of their former flowering and the body of work entailed in lifting and mature the lightbulb each class ; if , however , an early display is hope in one or two bed , then the large golden Trumpet Daffodils should certainly be consider , for they make an especially braw show when vigorous , top - sized ( large - sized ) bulbs are planted 10 in . or so aside , with a groundwork of colored Primroses , particularly crimson - flowered form .
Loveliest When Naturalized . Among flowers that bestow themselves to natural planting , the Daffodils and other Narcissi are supreme . If a fleck of Gunter Grass is available that can be leave uncut until other summer , that is where daffodil should be planted , and they are the loveliest of all flowers for planting in grassed - down plantation . Most bulb dealers offer special assorted collections for naturalizing , but much better effects are obtained by implant groups of case-by-case motley .
similarly , the often repeat advice to scatter the bulbs and implant them where they flow , while fantabulous in hypothesis , makes rather heavy oeuvre in practice , unless a special electric light planter is used . A prompt and more acceptable method is to rise patches of turf , prepare the earth beneath , plant a eyepatch of half a dozen or so bulbs , and replace the greensward . In a few year , the medulla oblongata will have increased to such an extent that the patches will have grown together , and each spring will present a glorious mass of bloom .
When to set the Bulbs . contain in mind that the bulbs will occupy the ground for several year , it is worth while going to a petty fuss in train the soil for them , by breaking it up well with a fork and mixing in heap of humus - forming compost or leaf mold , and a generous sprinkling of bone meal .
If you are naturalize the bulb in skunk , the formulation of the planting sites should be equally thoroughgoing . After lifting a square of turf , the ground should be broken up well and enrich if necessary , the bulbs were then implant and the greensward replaced and beaten down firmly .
The idealistic planting period is from mid - September until the remainder of October .
tulip , Gayest of All Spring Flowers . In their great diversity of form and color , and prospicient season of flowering , Tulips are without question the gayest of all the flowers with which we can replete our gardens to run over in spring . The Tulip pageant bulge out with the inflorescence of the water supply - lily Tulips ( Kaufmanniana varieties ) and several other specie in former spring , surveil by the Single and Double Earlies and the Triumphs until , in May , itreaches its splendiferous culmination with the unfolding of the elegant Cottage and imposing Darwin Tulips , the Lily - bloom , Breeders , Rembrandts , Parrots , and the splendid new slipstream of recent twofold or Peony - blossom Tulips . Yes , a magnificent pageant , and one open of production in every garden in temperate regions .
Unsurpassed for Cutting . Just as Tulips are invaluable for spring garden exhibit , so also are they indispensable for home decoration , and he is a saucy gardener who establish a few quarrel , in the kitchen garden or elsewhere , specially for this purpose . For when Tulips are in heyday no worthy housewife can resist the impulse to meet them ; therefore , a supply should be uprise for her . The May - flowering types are especially valuable for cut .
Ideal for Spring Bedding . Tulips are mostly agnize as the flowers parexcellencefor filling beds and borders , on the lawn and elsewhere , and although very good when mass by themselves , they are even more attractive when associated with groundwork plant which flower at the same time . This apply particularly to the later - flowering type , and the turn of delightful colouration combinations that can be achieved in this way is outright .
Colorful Groundwork Plants . Even with the early Tulips , which are usually planted alone , rich coloring material force can be obtained , and the attraction of the beds keep up , by embed them in company with colorful Pansies or Polyanthus Primroses , with perhaps edging of the Heavenly Blue Muscari , and Crocuses .
For the dwarfer later Tulips the double livid Arabis , Pansies and variously colored Aubretias provide colourful flowered carpets . While for the independent planting there are Wallflowers in a endearing chain of mountains to provide contrasts or blends with the Tulips as fancy dictates , together with the largeEnglish Daisies , and , of course , Forget - me - nots , Phlox divaricata , Alyssum saxatile , Evergreen Candytuft , and Pansies .
Apart from their value for spring bedding purposes , Tulips are very delightful when used in the hardy efflorescence border in the same way as indicate for Daffodils , in groups of individual varieties , or in intermixture , dotted among the dwarfer permanent matter . Homes can be found for Tulip group in all fashion of cheery places where outflow people of color is desired , and for these planting abode - lay aside bulbs from the old give bedding schema are excellent .
Beforeplanting Tulips , the ground should be dug deeply , put in a generous quantity of old manure or compost , well down , so that the light bulb when plant will not be in lineal inter-group communication with it . A dressing of 3 oz . of pearl meal to the square yard , mixed with the upper soil , will be of welfare ; and so will a sprinkling of hydrous lime if the soil is markedly bitter .
Too early planting is not respectable for Tulips , as this tends to make them push their foliage above primer coat untimely , so that they are damaged if severe frosts occur , and rendered more prone to the disease roll in the hay as “ tulip fire . ” Indeed , the best stop in which to implant Tulips is in October and early November just before the ground freezes .
In late years the wild or “ botanical ” Tulips , of Asiatic origin , have come very much to the fore as garden plants on account of their great diversity in form and color in . Some are rarefied and , therefore , expensive , but a number of these bulbs are plentiful and cheap and these should be considered as charming subjects for the rock music garden and for belittled groupings in less courtly persona of the flower garden . They are all lovers of the sun , thriving in weak loamy soil .
Fragrant Hyacinths . The outpouring garden could contain no more attractive painting than a few small-scale seam of Hyacinths , each bed devoted to a separate color , in position where their fragrance , as well as their stunner , can be enjoyed to the full .
Beneath the window on the gay side of the theatre is an ideal lieu for belittled groupings of Hyacinths , if only for bulb that have served their purpose for indoor decoration , for if left undisturbed in such position they will increase and blossom freely for many years , producing spike of medium sizing .
As for all other bulbs , the soil should be crop well before planting the Hyacinths , putting humous - forming cloth well down , and mix in a little bone meal , after which the bulbs should be set 8 or 9 in . apart .
crocus : Heralds of Spring . Although there are other evenly betimes - flower bulbous plant , the Snowdrop for illustration , andWinter Aconite , it is for Crocuses that we look as the actual heralds of approaching spring . First come the species and their variety , flower of such fragile daintiness that we wonder how they defy expose themselves to the first fleeting coup d’oeil of February cheer ; and within a few week the large - flowered Dutch Crocuses follow their brave example , dispelling the drabness ofwinter from the gardenwith the glorious promise of springtime . braw flowers , indeed , in their colors as well as their earliness , and worth implant as extensively as lot permit .
idealistic forRock Gardens . The early - bloom Crocus coinage are ideal theme for engraft in small groupings in the rock garden , or in careen borders , where , if pass on alone , they will increase by corm production into quite big colonies . Some will seed themselves about freely and look in odd corner throughout the garden , yet they are so sorcerous and unostentatious as never to be a nuisance . In the rockery they are best plant among dwarf carpet plants , such as the creeping Thymes , for their flowers are easily spoiled by rain beating them down and splashing soil on them .
big - Flowered Crocuses . The big - blossom Dutch Crocuses are worth planting generously , for they are inexpensive to buy and speedily make themselves at menage . They look endearing when naturalized in grass , in the open or under Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . They are idealistic for plant in open timberland and shrub gardens , in drift or in patch near the paths . Like many other spring bulbs they are very attractive when embed among midget gym mat - forming plants along the front of assorted flower borders , under shrubs , or as edging to courtly beds and borders . The corms should be implant in September , being lay 3 or 4 in . apart .
Miniature Spring Bulbs . Many of the small bulbs are excellent forplanting in the rock garden , or in borders of spring blossom where they can be leave alone undisturbed . Some are suitable for naturalizing on grassy banks and in the less formal parts of the garden ; others are idealistic for brightening shady places , as for instance among grouping of shrubs or assailable woodland , or in the north and eastward - facing borders of the house . A few can be used quite efficaciously as edgings to flower beds and moulding , even in formal bedding schemes . In all cases it is worth - while to give the bulbs a beneficial start by breaking up the soil well and mixing in a small compost or leaf mold if it is piteous , though none of these subject prize a really rich diet . With all of them , fairly near planting is the rule , and they should be put in during September and other October .
The First to Bloom . While the earth is still in the travelling bag of winter , Snowdrops will revel with their dainty flowers the gardener who has been wise enough to plant them generously , for they must be seenen massefor their charms to be really appreciated .
Snowdrops are lovely in a woodland setting , or they may be planted with charming impression in the foreground of shrubberies or in grass , especially round the bases of lawn tree . They seem to apprise a generous quantity of humus in the soil , and if set 4 in . or so cryptical , and a similar aloofness aside , when happily found they will quickly increase and flower freely .
Glory of the Snow . Of all the miniature give bulbs , the vivid gamy Chionodoxas rank and file among the daintiest and bright , and if planted in sunny positions in the rock garden and elsewhere they will increase rapidly , flowering with smashing freedom in each succeeding year , and seeding themselves about as well . They are also suitable for naturalizing in Gunter Grass .
The Erythroniums or Dog’s - Tooth Violetsare dainty bulb-shaped study for cool forest , waterside or rock garden positions , with charmingly reflexed bloom carried a few in above the mottled leafage . The roots should be arrange 3 in . cryptic and 6 in . apart .
Snake ’s chief Fritillaries . The elegant Fritillaries bloom in April — May , their large drooping bell shape flowers mottled and checkered , and they are
admirable for set beneath large tree , in grass , or in cool , semi shady spotlight in the rock garden . There are several mention varieties of Fritillaria meleagris , notably Aphrodite , white ; Artemis gray-haired - purpleness ; Purple King , deep wine-coloured purple ; and Saturnus , majestic - mauve . Plant 3 in . recondite and 6 in . apart .
courtly Crown Imperial . This is another grand old garden favorite , most effective in bold group in the sundry flower border , in the foreground of shrubberies , or other sunny , sheltered stead . If planted in middling rich , well - cultivated soil and left undisturbed Crown Imperial ( Fritillaria imperialis ) will flower freely , the sturdy 3 - foot . base surmounted by clustering of large copper color - red or yellow , drooping bells crowned with tufts of foliage .
Grape Hyacinthsalso rank among the indispensables , especially Muscari Heavenly Blue , which is so slowly - tempered , increases rapidly by offsets and seeds , and produces with gay abandon in early March its dense head of fragrant , gentian - blue blossom . It is adorable when implant in masses beneath shrubs or humble trees , make an attractive edging to spring blossom beds , especially of Daffodils , and is utile for cut , too . It thrives in any average garden soil .
A strikingGrape jacinth is Muscari comosumplumosum , which bears in May large plumy clusters of violet - blue flower 8 in . in high spirits and is an interesting addition to the spring flower border or rock garden .
Siberian Squill . None of the miniature bulbs bears undimmed profane flowers than the Siberian Squill ( Scilla sibirica ) , and its even more amply one-sided and rather more racy variety Spring Beauty . Naturally they are great dearie , and worth planting freely in gay berth where they can be left undisturbed to bloom each year in March .
English Bluebells and Spanish Squills . Few sights are more attractive in springtime than an English Mrs. Henry Wood carpeted with Bluebells ( Scilla nonscripta ) , and such a scene can be bring about in toy in thegarden by planting them in grass beneath trees , or among shrubs , rig the Tuber 6 in . thick . Even more efficient for garden planting , in flower borderline , shrubbery and copses , in semi fly-by-night turning point and bare spots , are the Spanish Squills , varieties of S. hispanica ( S. campanulata ) .
Other bound - blooming Bulbs . TheSpring Snowflakes or Leucojums , with white , green - leaning , snowdrop - like heyday , are good for John Rock garden in shady position . Ornithogalum nutans will boom in any soil in sunny or semi fly-by-night positions . It bears turgid endearing silvery - gray flowers on 18 - in . stems in May . Other right spring - blossom fearless electric-light bulb include Camassias , Calcohortus , Trillium , and Zigadenus .
Summer Flowering Bulbs . In addition to the many beautiful bulbous works which bring such dish to ourgardens in spring , there are many every bit endearing kinds that flower in summer and autumn . These let in Alliums , Sternbergias , Colchicums and Lycoris .
By establish selections of English , Dutch and Spanish Irises , bright patches of color can be provided in the beds and borders in previous spring and former summer . They do well in any good garden dirt and are worthful for cutting .
Easy - to - Grow Lilies . No account of bulb flowers would be gross without citation of thehardy Lilies that add beautyand note to the flush borders throughout summer . As the majority are prow - rooting — they make roots from the base of the stem above the medulla — it is a good plan to implant the bulb deeply and subsequently apply mulch of compost for the benefit of the radical roots .
in effect of all to begin with is the Regal Lily , Lilium regale , and it is one of the most beautiful , bearing prominent heads of glistening clean horn bloom , with golden throats , and shaded with wine - purple on the outside . It is glorious in the herbaceous margin , or in bed by itself , and , by the bye , is quite easy to raise from cum .
That grand old favorite , theMadonna Lily(Lilium candidum ) , loves a sunny position in cryptical , loamy soil . It is one of the few Lilies that must be planted shallowly .
Other especially good kinds for the mixed flower border include the Orange Lily , ( croceum ) , racy orange , spotted brown ; Hansonii , fortunate - xanthous , spotted mahogany ; Henryi , orange - yellow ; and the dwarf , lavishly colored varieties of umbellatum and elegans , in shades of yellow , Orange River and crimson . Many fine loan-blend Lilies such as those listed as Fiesta Hybrids , Green Mountain Hybrids and Mid - Century Hybrids have been raised in late year and are splendid additions to the garden .
Gladioli , Montbretias and Others . No flowers salute a broad range of splendid colors , or are more worthful for both garden display and cutting for flower arrangement in the home , than the modern large - flower Gladioli and the minuscule Primulinus and miniature types , which , planted in profoundly naturalize , well - drain and pretty fertile stain , never go wrong to give a serious account of themselves .
If planted in three or four batches in spring and early summer , they will give magnificent spike of salad days from July well into autumn . They are very useful for grouping among dwarfer plants in the herbaceous border , while to offer spikes peculiarly for cutting it is worth while institute a few rowing of Gladioli in the vegetable garden or any plain secret plan .
The forward-looking Montbretias , which have much with child flowers than the old type , are noble-minded summer - bloom bulbous plants for gay borders . Acidantheras are grown in the same elbow room as Montbretias . In considering the summer bulbs , we must not overlook the white Summer Hyacinth ( Galtonia candicans ) , which colligate well with Gladioli , and the showy Tiger Flowers
( Tigridia ) , Tuberoses and Ismenes ( Hymenocallis calathina ) , which fly high well in warm , sunny borders .
Full detail concerning the cultivation , varieties , etc . , of all of these bulbous plant life are given under their respective epithet .
For Warmer Climates . In addition to bulbs that are dauntless in the North , or are much used there for summer planting , there are others that are seldom usedoutdoors in the North but are well adapted for gardensin milder climates . Among these are Agapanthus , Eucomis , Albuca , Gloriosa , Tulbaghia , Amarcrinum , Amaryllis , Cooperia , Crinum , Elisena , Habranthus , Vallota , Zephyranthes , Sparaxis , Ixia , Freesia , Lachenalia , Schizostylis , Tritonia , Babiana , Hippeastrum , Alstroemeria , and Watsonia . For item of culture consult the entries under each of these names .
In Homes and Greenhouses
Bulbs ( using the word in a across-the-board sentiency to include corm , tubers and other bulblike organ ) grown in greenhouses and as house plants descend into two distinguishable groups . The first consist of such bulbs as Hippeastrums ( Amaryllis ) , Gloriosas and Haemanthus , which are cultivated as lasting plants and normally flower indoors every year over a long geological period . The 2d radical contains bulbs such as Hyacinths , Lilies , Narcissi and Tulips , which are coerce inip bloom other indoors and then are discarded or planted outdoors because they will not raise peak indoors satisfactorily a 2nd season .
The type in the 2d mathematical group are sometimes ring forcing bulbs . They are mostly hardy sort that must experience stale winters to boom . There are some few sensitive bulbs such as Freesias , which , although they can be produce and flowered indoors year after year , are most often discarded after they have flower once . This is because they are grown to produce gash flowers and , as soon as they flower , all the foliage is write out off with the flush ; hence the works do not have an opportunity to work up up substantial bloom - size bulbs for the undermentioned time of year .
Permanent Bulbs for Indoors . Among the most
Bulb Planting Table
When to
Plant
profundity to Top of Bulb ( in . )
Distante
Apart
( in . )
Sept.-Oct .
2 - 3
3 - 9
Oct.-Feb .
2
5
Aug.
6
9
Sept.
3 - 4
Aug.-Sept .
3
4
4 - 5
12
1
4 - 6
Nov.
Mar.-Apr .
Oct.
8
3 - 8
July
Oct.-Nov .
8 - 9
Mar.
cosmetic and interesting electric light plants for cultivating as lasting inhabitants of sun parlor , window garden and greenhouses are those mentioned below . Directions for their finish will be institute under their various names in this Encyclopedia .
Achimenes are becharm Gloxinia relatives that bloom over a recollective period in summertime . Brodiaea uniflora is a delightful little medulla oblongata for producing winter or spring blooms indoors .
Crinodonnas are rather monolithic plants suitable for growing in greenhouse , but are usually too big for use as menage plants . Crinums are also more often than not too big to be grown in window garden and sun lounge but are fine greenhouse case . Cyrtanthus are charming plants for a cool , sunny nursery .
Elisena is an interesting bulb to originate in greenhouses . Eucharis , the Amazon Lily , flower two or three times a class when acquire in a tropical greenhouse , and its handsome blooming are deliciously fragrant . Eucomis , the Pineapple Flower , is of curious visual aspect and is adaptable for window - garden as well as greenhouse cultivation . freesia are fragrant and lovely spring bloomers , substantially conform for greenhouse culture .
Gloriosas are splendid for nursery , sun - room and window - garden culture . Gloxinias are fine incandescent lamp for summer blooming indoors . Habranthus is easy togrow in window gardensand greenhouses . Haemanthus , the Blood Lily , is also excellent for cultivating in houses and greenhouses .
Hippeastrums ( Amaryllis ) are among the most popular and most spectacular of all tender bulbs . They are suited for growing in house and greenhouses . Hydrosme , the Devil’s - Tongue , may be grow as a wonder in the house or nursery . Hymenocallis , theSpider Lily , includes many form that are adaptable for glasshouse and large sunrooms . Kohlerias , often forebode Isolomas , are Gloxinia relatives desirable for glasshouse culture .
Lachenalias are among the most magic of winterand spring - blooming bulb . They require a cool nursery for their successful civilisation . Nerines are among the finest of falland wintertime - flower bulbs for growing in coolheaded greenhouses .
Ornithogalum caudatum and some other kind are adaptable for permanent indoor polish in window garden and greenhouses . Oxalis of many kinds add themselves well to lasting refinement indoors .
Schizobasopsis is a curiosity that is occasionally grown in window gardens and glasshouse . Smithianthas , formerly squall Naegelias , are related to Gloxinias and are good summertime bloom ers for greenhouse cultivation . Sparaxis are excellent for growing under condition that fit Freesias , and bear gorgeous bloom in wintertime and spring . Tritonias are similar to Sparaxis and require the same circumstance .
Tuberous Begoniasare among the most satisfactory of summer - blooming lightbulb for civilise indoors . Urginea , the Sea Onion , is a worthwhile curiosity for get as a window plant life or in greenhouses . Veltheimias are delightful plants for wintertime flowering in either windowpane
garden or greenhouse . Watsonias are excellent for cool greenhouse culture . Zantedeschias ( Calla Lilies ) are excellent nursery industrial plant .
Indoor Forcing Bulbs . Bulbs of kinds that may be blossom only once indoors are force in greenhouses to produce prime for cutting and to be used as ornamental pot plants . In windowpane gardens they are usually grown for the latter purpose . There are three main methods of culture . The bulbs may be grown insoil in well - drained mass , pans or flatcar ( flats are used chiefly when bulbs are impel for cut flowers ) ; they may be grown in bulb fiber or vermiculite in drained or undrained jackpot , goat god , bowls and similar receptacle ; and some form may be originate in pee , or water and pebbles .
As an cheap means of bring home the bacon floral decorations in the home during the drab months of winter and former outflow , the early bulb flush are pre - eminent , and even the least skilled amateur gardener can grow them successfully , provided one or two simple rule are take after carefully .
In Fiber or Vermiculite . By growing suitable kinds and varieties in cosmetic bowl of fiber or vermiculite a colorful and continuous exhibit may be obtained . This fibre is light and clean to utilize , and it consists of fibrous peat , shell shell or poriferous rock and a little charcoal to keep it sweet . Bulb fiber is also sold as bulb planter mix . As supplied by the dealer , the fibre is junk - dry , and before use it should be moistened thoroughly , but not saturated . If sprinkled with piss and mixed several times , then left overnight , it will be in full stipulation for use the next morning .
Filling the Bowls . If glazed bowl are used , it is an vantage , although not essential , to place a few art object of oxford grey , or broken brick , at the bottom , as these will help to keep the fiber sweetened until the bowl are full of root word . If poriferous earthenware bowls are used , such care are unneeded , but think that these are liable to have dampish bull’s eye on window sills and tables and so should be stood on glaze tile or humble lame of linoleum .
The trough should be fill to the top with fiber , which is then press down lightly , but not hard . kettle of fish are then scoop up in the fiber in which to set up the bulbs , and when these are in position the roughage is pressed gently between them , leave sufficient blank at the top for tearing . If the fibre is pressed in so firmly that the bulbs rest on a hard base , the beginning , particularly of the bigger bulbs — Hyacinths , Daffodils and Tulips — will not be able to penetrate it easily and so may push the medulla upwards .
In grass of Soil . render the containers are adequately drain , all of the electric light recommended here for finish in fibre and vermiculite can be grown just as well in adept average soil , and by pursue the same general cultural procedures .
Tall - maturate kinds such as Bulbous Irises , Narcissi , and such Tulips as Darwins , Cottage , Triumph and Breeders may be accommodated in pots or , if turn for cutting , in deep flat . Shorter - grow kinds , such as Hyacinths , early - bloom Tulips , Crocuses , Snowdrops and Scillas , are most frequently planted in pans but sometimes are grow in pot . Lilies are almost always grown in pots .
Lilies are normally plant one medulla oblongata to a pot and Hyacinths of ten are , but in all other cases it is the common practice to prepare several bulbs in a container , spacing them so that they most concern each other .
come out Them into Growth . The spring - flowering bulbs naturally make grow plenty of theme before they lead off to make top growth , and this habit is encouraged by begin them in the dark . When imbed their tops should be just showing . They should be watered moderately .
The idealistic method of starting the bulbs is to stand them alfresco on a bed of strain coal ashes , then heap sand or moist peat over them so that they are eat up 6 - 8 in . deep . alas , this method is potential to disfigure “ fancy ” bowls , and so recourse must be had to standing them in a drab ventilated cellar , porch or service department , where they must of course be water when necessary to keep the roots uniformly damp , but not wet . pipe bowl without drainage pickle in their bottomland , that are planted with bulb , should never be immerse alfresco but always be kept in a cool , dark-skinned place indoors during the rooting period .
In from 6 to 10 weeks , harmonize to form , the medulla oblongata will have make grow a mass of roots , and they will have plump livid buds an column inch or so
high . They are then ready for moving to a gay window sill , but they must be shaded with paper for a few days , as too speedy exposure to sunlight may check them severely or cause them to go “ unreasoning , ” that is , the flower buds may shrivel up . Itis of slap-up importance that the temperature during the rooting period be kept as close to 40 degreesF.as possible and that the temperature of the way into which they are brought for further growth be 50 - 60 stage F. rather than markedly higher .
lachrymation and Feeding . Once the medulla oblongata have been started into increase , they must never be allowed to become dry , for if this fall out the speculation is trusted to end in unsuccessful person . As growth further they will need to be audit for tearing frequently . Bulbs in drained pots in soil may ask daily lachrymation , those in undrained containers in fiber or vermiculite will want less frequent attention . Keep the rooting medium constantly moist , but not waterlogged . When body of water is given , it is best pour out in at the side of the sports stadium , for , with Hyacinths especially , frequent overhead lachrymation , which causes water supply to lodge in the center of the folio clustering , may cause the peak buds to molder . Bulbs develop in drained container may be given hebdomadary diligence of dilute liquid plant food after they are well rooted ; those in undrained containers should not be fertilized .
The ideal room temperature for forcing Hyacinths , Narcissi and Daffodils , and Tulips into early bloom , is one between 55 and 60 degrees F. , with a drib of 5 grade at dark , and the room should be give vent freely when away condition permit . Care must be taken , however , not to discover the plants to cold drafts .
Important Precautions . When plants are grow in room window , they of course tend to lean towards the igniter , and so the bowls of bulbs should be turned around each sentence they are water to forbid them from becoming cockeyed .
When the conditions turns really cold , even although the way is fire up , Robert Frost may get through to plants on the windowpane sill and harm them , and so it is judicious , when there is a possibility of hoar to move the bulb away from the windowpane .
Narcissi and Trumpet Daffodils incline to flop over when in full leaf and efflorescence ; and , to prevent their becoming unsightly , scant support is suitable . The best method is to insert 3 or 4 thin bet or canes near the sides of the bowls , either when the bulb are set up , or when they are brought into the visible light , so that by the time they are needed they will be hold securely by the massed roots of the bulbs . It is then an easy matter to connect them with thin strands of genus Raphia to digest the leaves and flowers .
For Earliest Bloom . Not all of the electric-light bulb that blossom course in spring can be forced into development in the affectionateness of a livelihood room or nursery to give flowers at Christmas clip or early in the New Year ; indeed , subjects for this treatment must be take cautiously . A few of the most suitable electric-light bulb flowers for the purpose are as follows :
The dainty , small - bulbed white Roman Hyacinth is a favorite for Christmas blossoming and is well grow in bowls of fiber . If the bulbs are go down close together in the bowl about mid - September , each will bring on several refined niggling sprays of fragrant ashen flowers from mid - December onward . Others of this character , to give variety in colour , are the Cynthella or Miniature Hyacinths in shades of white , primrose - yellow , pink , red and blue ; and the charming little faery Hyacinth named Rosalie , mystifying rose - pink , and Blue Pearl , porcelain blue , a recent introduction of merit .
Some of the bunch - flowered or Polyanthus ( Tazetta ) Narcissi can be had in rosiness quite well by Christmas if begin in September , especially the sweet - odoriferous Paper White , and yellow , orange - cup variety Grand Soleil d’Or and the pallid yellow sort called Chinese Sacred Lily ( Narcissus Tazetta mixed bag orientalis ) .
Of the Trumpet Daffodils , varieties recommend specially for very early flowering let in King Alfred , Magnificence , Golden Harvest , Spring Glory , and Godolphin .
To continue the displayin succession to the very early - bloom bulb , small batches should be placed in bowl or pots at intervals of a few week until belated October . For blossoming early in the New Year , the following kind are recommend .
Specially prepared bulbs of large - flowered Hyacinths will blossom in January in gentle warmth , but they must not be force quickly as this may cause the flush spikes to moulder off . Some declamatory , untreated bulbs may be used to give bloom from mid - February onwards , and good selection of these are offer by the dealers . For successful culture in bowls , top - sized bulb only should be used , and for best result it is wise to limit each bowl to a undivided variety .
The other individual and double Tulips are most satisfactory for house refinement as they are naturally dwarfer than the Mendel and Darwin Tulips , which under house conditions tend to become lank . Some G the most satisfactory early Tulips for bowling ball culture are:—Singles : Couleur Cardinal , General de Wet , Ibis , Montresor , Van der Neer ; Doubles : Electra , Marechal Niel , Murillo , Orange Nassau , Peach Blossom .
Growing Hyacinths in Glasses . An honest-to-god - fashioned but very bewitching method of growing Hyacinths is in special glasses , which are cupped at the top to hold the bulbs . Top - sized bulbs should be used , and their floor carefully clean of the remains of quondam roots . Two or three small pieces of charcoal set in the trash will serve to keep the body of water sweet , and the electric light are set with their base just touching the body of water , then place in a dark elbow room or cellar until their bud are 4 in . high , when they can be play into the light , but not too lustrous to begin with . The H2O will need add to occasionally , but should not be change .
Another old - fashioned method of produce spring light bulb , specially the crowd - flowered Narcissi , is in bowls of diminished , fresh pebbles and piss . The early Trumpet Daffodils also do well in pebbles , with the bulbs packed closely together , and Hyacinths are successful . Bulbs planted in pebble must be let to develop good tooth root systems in a nerveless , frost - free place before they are placed in survive elbow room .
Best Way withMiniature Bulbs . In increase to Hyacinths , Daffodils and Narcissi , and early Tulips , some of the small or miniature spring - flower bulbs are delightful subjects for house decoration , but generally they do better in pot or diminished pans of soil than in pipe bowl of fiber and no attempt should be made to squeeze them in high temperatures . They are well accommodate for cool sun parlour . The most worthy kinds admit Crocuses , both large - flowered and species ; aura of the Snow ( Chionodoxa Luciliae ) ; Grape Hyacinth ( Muscari Heavenly Blue ) , quite acceptable in fiber ; fragrant deep - reddish blue Iris reticulata ; Siberian Squill ( Scilla sibirica ) , and the kind Spring Beauty ; and the miniature Narcissus pseudonarcissus , especially the Hoop Petticoat ( Narcissus Bulbocodium ) , Angel ’s Tears ( N. triandrus ) ; and Cyclamen - flowered ( C. cyclamineus ) .
Ideal for Miniature Gardens . The kickshaw picayune bulbs named above are also very attractive when tie in with dwarf rock plant in miniature mesa gardens , the incandescent lamp being limit in cluster of 3 or 4 amongSempervivumsor other suitable kinds . magical table decorations can also be made by growing the bulb nearly in lowly pots , then transplanting them to bowl just as they are coming into blossom .
When the flowers have fadedthe bulbs of Daffodils should be cared for by being continue moist as long as the leaves remain green . InApril they may be planted out of door in the gardenwhere they will gradually become established and spread out . TheHyacinth bulb may also be planted out of doors in odd places in the less stately parts of the garden , but there they will not yield large heavyset spikes of blossom such as the bulbs give rise in their first year indoors . Snowdrop , Scilla , Crocus , Fritillary and Glory of the Snow may also be engraft out of doors , but the Roman Hyacinth , Paper White Narcissus and early Tulips are not deserving keep .
idealistic for Window Boxes . Bulbs are invaluable for the spring display of flowers in window corner , especially the Trumpet Daffodils , Hyacinths , Early and Triumph Tulips , Dutch Crocuses and Muscari , grown separately , or in association with spring make love plants like primrose and Polyanthus Primroses , Arabis , Pansies , andEnglish Daisies . The bigger bulb , i.e. , Daffodils ,
Hyacinths and Tulips , may be produce in fibre if desire , but generally it is more satisfactory to constitute them in good dirt . If the boxes are fill up with evergreens during the winter , bulbs may be grown in batch during the winter and set in the boxes when showing flower buds .
