How to Treat Imported Daffodil Bulbs.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 13, 28 September 1910, Page 41

How to Treat Imported Daffodil Bulbs.

(By

IMPORTER.)

We always prefer, when purchasing new varieties of daffodils, to secure* acclimatised bulbs. They naturally are high er in price, but they are* more* certain to bloom earlier than the* imported, and there is no risk e>f losing an expensive* variety. Where an up-to-date collection is required, however, we* must import, and the first essential is te> semi for bulbs which have* been grown by an expert in their culture. There* are* many good firms, but, as a rule, we* always give* preference to the actual raiser or distributor, as by so doing one* is more likely te> secure the variety wanted from the* original stock, which we* consider of first importance. Having decided on the* grower from whom you are te> order, the next

thing to do is to order early; by see ebbing you will get pickeel bulbs. Orders should be* in the* hands of the* grower not later than September, earlier if possible. You will instruct the* bulb-grower to dispatch your order whenever tin* bulbs are* thoroughly ripened and dried. In the* usual course the bulbs will reach you not later than December. A piece* of land should be prepareel a month ahead of their arrival by deep trenching, choosing a senii-shaeled spot, not too dry. Plant the* bulbs immediately on arrival three* to four inches deep, according to the size* of bulb. All that is necessary afterwards is an occasional watering to prevent tin* roots drying in our hot summer. 'Generally, they will ishow above* ground in much less time* than autumn-planted bulbs, ami a few Howers may he produced, but I he*se will not be of much account. So long as tin* leaves are* growing and healthy the bulbs will be* right, and 1 hey can be* left in the ground through the following season, or they may he lifted when thoroughly ripened, ami again t ransplanteel. The* bulbs will probably be small, but will give* a good account of t hemsel ve*s tin* following season. Imported bulbs arris ing later in the season we have* had them arrive* in February should be* ini me*diati*lv nhinted. Thev will umb.iblv

remain in a semi dormant stage*, ami make good growth in June*, but our ex periem-e* of late* arrivals is that some of the* bulbs are* worthless on arrival, ami we* strongly recommend early importing, as from our own experience* we have rarely hist a single* bulb, but later we have* lost about 10 per cent.