Flower Power

Press, 20 April 1982, Page 18

Flower Power

Flowering bulbs can be grown in bowls, and they make lovely presents in winter. You can also grow hyacinth bulbs in water so that you can see the roots growing while the bulb is flowering. You can buy your bulbs now. They have to be planted in bulb fibre which can be bought at garden shops. The easiest kind of bulbs to grow inside are daffodil, narcissus, hyacinth, and crocus. Tip the bulb fibre into a bucket. Add enough water to make it moist and leave 2-3 hours. The fibre should be wet but still slightly crumbly. Fill your bowl or flower pot with the fibre. Press the bulbs into the fibre so that their tips are just below the surface. Put the bowl of bulbs in a dark, cool, airy place, such as a large cupboard. You will have to leave them 2-3 months before they start to shoot; but remember to water the fibre sometimes so that it does not get dry.

When the shoots are about scm high, bring the bowl out. Leave in a shady part of the room for 7 days then bring the bulb into a warm room where it is lighter. Keep the fibre moist. When the flowers have died and the leaves are brown and dry, you can plant your bulbs out in the garden. Do not grow inside again.

To grow a hyacinth in water you will need a tall jar with a narrow neck. Fill the jar with water. Put in a small piece of charcoal to keep the water fresh and clear. Rest the hyacinth bulb on top of the jar so that the bottom of the bulb is just above water. Put in a sunny place and you will soon see the roots grow and reach down to the water. Add more water occasionally, but never let it touch the bulb.