Potted Bulbs
by MaryAnn Fink
Conservation Specialist
copyright 2011
This is the time of years many gardeners, anxious for spring, purchase green house forced potted bulbs for their homes, offices and as gifts.
FYI although some are more familiar than others, the most popular bulbs used are tulip, hyacinth, narcissus (daffodil), grape hyacinth, iris and crocus.
For your maximum enjoyment, purchased these beauties just after their buds are evident but are still closed tight. Don’t wait till they are fully opened! I agree it is hard to tell what color you are purchasing, but better to be surprised for a while than surprised the fun is over so soon!
Here are a few tips on how to take care of your new plant:
1) Place the pot in a cool spot where temperatures at night are about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do not place it a sunny location, the warm temperatures in sunshine will speed flower development and shorten the life of the flowers!
2) Remove the foil wrapper if there is one to avoid standing water. Keep the plants slightly moist but do not fertilize!
3) Do not try to keep them growing indoors for another cycle of flowers. A few bulbs are garden worthy for a few more seasons if planted in the garden – particularly daffodils!
4) Tulips do not do well after forcing! Also discard any bulbs that have been forced in water such as hyacinths or paperwhite narcissus.
5) When the bulbs have finished flowering indoors, remove the flower stem so no energy is wasted trying to produce seed.
6) Move the plant to a sunny location and keep them wet enough so that leaves are able to mature and dry gradually. If spring arrives before the natural ripening process is finished- plant them as they are “in the green”- this is while the foliage is still intact and growing! This is easy and the way I have had the most success.
7) If this is not possible, allow the tops to die away naturally, remove the dry foliage and soil from around the bulbs and store them in a dry place until fall. Plant them outdoors in the garden in the fall when it is the right time for your area.
8) If you have determined disposal is your only option-remember the soil, roots and foliage can be added to your compost pile!
For more information follow this link:
http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/qa/forced-tulip-bulbs.aspx
http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/qa/forced-tulip-bulbs.aspx
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