The Culture of Flowering Bulbs 



Immediately the bulbs are received they should be potted in rich 

 fibrous loam the more fibrous the better and be placed in a cold 

 frame. They need little water until growth has fairly commenced, 

 after which more moisture will be necessary. So far as safety is con- 

 cerned, they only require protection from frost ; but for an early show 

 of bloom artificial heat is imperative. The temperature should, 

 however, be very moderate at first, and rise slowly. When the buds 

 show, a top dressing of fresh loam and decayed manure will be 

 helpful, and to allow for this the soil must be two inches from the 

 tops of the pots when the bulbs are first potted. After producing 

 two or three flowering stems, it will be wise to place the pots out of 

 doors and give less water, or the bulbs will be exhausted. But they 

 must never be allowed to become quite dry, and after a partial rest 

 of six weeks or two months they may be re-potted in fresh soil and 

 started for another show of bloom. 



We do not recommend the planting of this Lily in open borders 

 during autumn, for growth will commence immediately, and a severe 

 frost will cut it down ; but if planted in spring, it succeeds admirably, 

 and will produce a long succession of its handsome trumpet-shaped 

 flowers. For the following winter it can either be protected, or lifted 

 for storing in a frame. 



Lilium lancifolium. A graceful and highly perfumed Lily, 

 which is perfectly hardy, and will grow in good loam, though peat is 

 to be preferred for pot culture. To produce handsome specimens 

 the same routine must be followed as directed for the cultivation of 

 L. auratum. It scarcely need be added that, instead of growing the 

 bulbs separately in pots, several may be grown in the same pot to 

 produce a richer effect. But it is not advisable to place the bulbs 

 in a large mass of earth in the first instance. It is better that they 

 should commence their growth in small pots, and be shifted on as 

 they require more room. Aphis is extremely partial to these Lilies, 

 particularly if they are badly grown and allowed to suffer for the 

 want of water. The simplest way to remove the pest is to dip the 

 plants in pure water, taking care, of course, to prevent them from 

 falling out of the pots in the operation. 



Lily of the Valley. The popular name of this native plant is 

 a misnomer. Botanically it is known as Convallaria ma/a/is, and 

 structurally the roots differ from those which are characteristic of 

 the whole tribe of Liliums. However, we have no quarrel with a 

 charming name for a most dainty flower of fairy-like proportions. 

 The sprays of pure white pendulous bells have captivated the popular 



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