BULBS GROWN IN WATER

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 75, 30 March 1939, Page 25

BULBS GROWN IN WATER

Hyacinths may be grown in widemouthed glasses containing only water, although the blooms are not, as a rule, so fine as when grown in fibre or in pots of soil. The level of the water should be about a quatrer vof an inch below the base of the bulb and, as it evaporates, more water should be added to maintain the level. It is usual to place a small piece of charcoal in the water to keep it sweet.

. The bulbs are kept in a cool, dark, or dim place until roots have formed freely in the water. Afterwards they tx*sn? foe mlaced in a window, but the

transition from dark to full light should be gradual.

Polyanthus, narcissi, and colchicums give a pretty effect when grown in shallower bowls containing pebbles and water only.

A layer of pebbles" is placed in the vessel and the bulbs are put in. More pebbles are added" until the- vessel is three parts full. Water is then added until it reaches the base of the bulbs. After a few weeks in a cool, shady room the bulbs will be well rooted and may be placed in the light.

This is an old-fashioned method that has now largely given place to the practice of growing bulbs in fibre which gives finer blooms.