Fragrant Tuberoses

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 10 (Supplement)

Fragrant Tuberoses

Use Only the Offsets

The fragrant white blooms of the tuberose were once very popular as buttonhole flowers. The double form known as "The Pearl" is the best to grow. Some gardeners find a difficulty in growing this member of the amaryllis family, but it should do quite' well out of doors in our Auckland climate. A point not generally recognised in the culture of these bulbs, is of vital importance. The old bulbs are no use after they have flowered and can be thrown away. Numbers of offsets are, however, produced round the outside of the old bulbs. These should be taken off and grown on to the flowering stage, then they in turn can be discarded. If a few offsets are planted every year, there should be a continual succession of flower, year after year. A sunny place should be chosen, for these bulbs are natives of Mexico. The soil preferred is light and well drained. Where the soil is heavy, it may be excavated to a depth of <3O inches. Twelve inches of broken brick or scoria is placed in the bottom and covered with rough turf for drainage. The remainder of the space is filled with a compost of sandy loamy soil. Plant the bulbs three inches deep and six inches apart. During summer, keep the soil moist and the flowers are produced in early autumn.