BULBS FOR INDOOR GROWING

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1937, Page 26

BULBS FOR INDOOR GROWING

For those who-are living in flats, or who are not fortunate enough to possess a garden a few pots of bulbs for flowering.' in the; spring will ; give great pleasure. There are . several bulbous plants which may be grown in this way with very little trouble or expense. . , .

Here are a few of the varieties which are suited to this treatment: —Crocuses, Roman hyacinths, and also the larger kinds, narcissi" of several kinds, freesias, scillas, tulips, and Dutch arid Spanish irises. ■ .. . ;■'..

The secret of success lies in getting the bulbs potted up early in order to give them a long period of growth. Towards the end of this month is perhaps the best time to'make a start. Further batches may be potted up at intervals of a week or so for successional flowering. Planting may be done in ordinary flower pots, 5- 6r 6-inch pots being the most convenient. Cover the drainage hole with a piece of crock and fill with a compost of two parts sandy loam, one part leaf mould, one part well-decayed manure, and a liberal quantity of, coarse.' sand thoroughly mixed together. Plant so that the nose of the bulb is just below the surface. After potting, supply water, and then place in a shady position and apply water when necessary. In about a month growth should have commenced and be above the surface. The pots may then be placed in a sunny window, turning them round each day; so that there may be even growth all, round. Water very sparingly at first, but as soon as growth becomes vigorous increase it steadily, and when flower buds begin to form, feed the plants with liquid manure once or twice a week. BULBS IN FIBRE. The growing of bulbs in bowls containing fibre, without drainage, is now probably the most popular method of cultivation for amateurs who want them for indoor display. This method has considerable advantages over that of" cultivation in soil, and particularly for those who dwell in town areas. The chief of these are:—Cleanliness, no escaping of water from the receptacle. Fibre is easily obtainable at a'pheap rate, whereas good soil cannot always be secured. Bowls in many forms and colours may be used, the choice ofi which frequently adds to the beauty |

of the subject when in. flower, instead of the use of rough flower pots, which certainly.' do not beautify a room.

Experience has proved that a fairly wide range of fbulbous plants easily respond to .this treatment, and the results, if care be exercised in treatment, are quite equal to; and frequently better than, those obtained, ,in soil. Neglect, however,, at any stage simply results in failure.' . ■■;■ USE OF FIBRE. Fibre can be obtained -from - any seedsman. It should ■ be' thoroughly broken up so that no lumps remain and it is quite smooth to handle. That allows the roots to penetrate the fibre and also ensures an even distribution of moisture. . A little oyster shell mixed with the fibre is beneficial, but not absolutely essential. Some charcoal must be placed on the bottom of the receptacle before putting in the fibre to ensure that the fibre remains sweet. If charcoal is omitted the mixture goes sour, and the roots that are formed will eventually go brown at the tips, growth will'be suspended, and small, puny flowers or no flowers at all will'be the.result. The most common cause of failure is allowing the fibre to become dry. If that happens at any stage of growth failure is inevitable; the roots failing to. find moisture immediately dry up and growth is permanently checked. An excess of moisture will rarely do harm. At planting time the fibre should be made just so wet that when pressed in the hand it adheres together without any water coming from it. Fill the bowls with fibre to,the rim, then'press the bulbs into the fibre untif the top of the bulb is level with the rim; then cover with more fibre, rounding it up a: little; in the centre and pressing it down.firmly with the hand. The operation of planting is then complete. Place the bowls in a box of sufficient depth to permit of a covering of three 'or four inches of fibre. Give them a thorough overhead watering and then cover them with loose, dry fibre. The boxes may then be placed outside with some protection from rain, but not so as to shut out light and air. As soon as growth appears, say in eight or ten weeks, the bowls may be given light I and regular watering must be attended I to. .-. • ■ ,