AFRICAN BULBS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 121, 15 February 1941, Page 14

AFRICAN BULBS

Why They Sometimes “Sulk”

Freesias, nioreas and several other African bulbs sometimes refuse to send forth leaves and flowers, spending the whole period between autumn ami spring in a more or less dormant state. The bulbs do not die, but. just remain in the soil unchanged. This reluctance to sprins into growth is known as “sulking’' and Is due to the fact, that tlie corms or bulbs were not thoroughly ripened before planting. It should always be remembered that African bulbs in their native environment are subjected to much hotler summers than we experience in New Zealand, and if they are to flower successfully must be given as much natural dry warmth as possible. That is one reason why they give best results when planted in light, sandy soils, where they obtain the necessary warmth in January and February. When lifting African bulbs, it is not ad visable to lay them on the surface to ripen as they are likely Io "cook. Clean, and allow them to dry off in a shed or spare room. The ripening process should take place in the soil and with that end in view it is importtint to keep tite beds weeded and lightly cultivated to permit the sun's warmth to penetrate to the bulbs.