BULB CULTURE 71 



pot or flat, but not packed, and the bulb is so planted that the top 

 is just below the surface. Do not press the bulbs down. After 

 planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil firmly about the bulb and 

 do not water again until the top growth starts unless the pots or flats 

 are stored in a place where they will dry out. 



After being planted, the bulbs must be stored away in order that 

 they may root properly, because rooting is the most important phase in 

 successful bulb forcing. There are several methods of storage: 



1. Place the pots, flats, etc., in a cold frame or cold pit and cover with four inches 



of sand, rotted leaves, or ashes. Put on the sash when freezing weather 

 arrives and open on pleasant days. 



2. Pots may be placed in a cool, dark cellar, and will keep well if the soil is kept 



moist but not wet. The danger here is from drying out if they are not 

 watched at frequent intervals. 



3. A better method is to dig a trench one foot deep, put in three inches of ashes 



for drainage and to keep out worms; put in the pots and fill the trench with 

 soil. During freezing weather cover with rough stable manure, leaves, or 

 straw, to a depth of four inches. 



4. Pots may be set out and covered with eight inches or ten inches of leaves, filling 



in between the pots with soil to maintain moisture. 



Early bulbs, such as paper white narcissi and Roman hyacinths* 

 will root sufficiently in a period of six weeks. It is much better, how- 

 ever, to leave bulbs in storage for a period of eight weeks. Spanish 

 iris bulbs require a longer period for the formation of root growth 

 than most of the other bulbs. This group is probably the most 

 difficult group to force successfully. They should remain buried in 

 the cold frame or in the pit, with all top growth retarded, until a 

 complete root system is established. When ample roots are formed 

 and about one inch of top growth has appeared, it is time to lift all 

 bulbs and remove them to a semi-dark cellar where they may be kept 

 in a cool temperature with little light to encourage the immediate 

 development of stems and foliage. Avoid, at this period, direct sun- 

 light. After a reasonable amount of growth is secured, place the pots 

 where desired. Bulbs should be taken out of storage in relays to 

 provide a succession of bloom. 



There are very few types of bulbs which are adapted for forcing in 

 water. The paper white narcissus is best adapted to this type of 

 forcing. A few of the other types of narcissus may be grown in this 

 way, and occasionally early single tulips, Spanish irises, and crocuses 



