146 PRACTICAL FLORICULTURE. 



The large bulb only is that which produces the flower, 

 and if that has rotted in the centre sufficient to destroy 

 the flower germ, it will not bloom. Figure 48 shows a 

 perfect bulb cut longitudinally ; Figure 49, one in which 

 the centre has decayed. 



Now, in lifting the bulbs in fall, eveiy bulb is then per- 

 fect, that is, large enough to flower ; those figured are about 

 the medium natural size. I am satisfied beyond all doubt 

 that the cause of decay and consequent failure to flower 

 in the Tuberose is its being kept in too low a temperature 

 during winter. It is supposed, generally, that it is enough 

 to keep it dry and free from frost, as we keep potatoes 

 in a cellar. But unfortunate experience has demonstrated 

 to me, by a loss of some thousands of dollars, that this is 

 not enough ; the bulbs must be kept both dry and warm, 

 from October until May. If they are allowed to remain for 

 any length of time in a temperature less than 50, the centre 

 or flower germ will be destroyed, though the outward ap- 

 pearance of the bulb to the uninitiated would be the same. 

 For those who have green-houses, the best place to keep 

 them is alongside the flue or hot water pipes ; for those 

 who have not, the shelves in a closet of any well-warmed 

 room will sufllce. The Tuberose is now a plant of rising 

 importance for market purposes. I have no doubt that 5 

 million roots are grown annually in the vicinity of New 

 York. The greater part of these are grown by the florists 

 to supply the bouquet makers with this most important 

 item in the construction of their baskets of flowers, bouquets, 

 vases, etc., etc. Tuberose flowers are now produced 

 nearly all the year round, and sell at wholesale from $1 to 

 $10 per 100 florets, according to the season, the price 

 being the highest during the holidays. Each spike aver- 

 ages 20 florets or single flowers, so that at some seasons 

 the flowers of a single root of this common bulb produce 

 $2 at wholesale. 



