408 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



covering to keep it from freezing. In growing bulbs in 

 the home, they are usually stored in a cool, dark cellar. 

 When bulbs have developed a strong root system, they 

 are ready for forcing. 



670. Forcing conditions. They are brought into a 

 cool greenhouse, and placed under the benches or in some 

 spot in subdued light. A temperature of 50 suits most 

 bulbs. The diminished light draws up the foliage and 

 flower stem, making the blooming period more satisfactory. 

 After the shoots have developed sufficiently, part of the 

 shade is removed, and the foliage assumes a dark green 

 color. The pans are then placed in strong light near the 

 glass, and the temperature increased ten or fifteen degrees. 

 The slower they are forced, the finer and more lasting 

 the blooms will be. During the development of the flower 

 stalk, careful attention should be paid to watering, and at 

 no' time should the root system become dry: The tops 

 of the plants should be syringed every bright day until the 

 individual flowers begin to show color, when syringing 

 would injure the blossoms. 



671. Outdoor culture. Narcissi are among the best 

 outdoor bulbs. They are not as satisfactory in formal 

 beds as when planted in a less formal way. They are es- 

 pecially good for naturalizing in sod or along the edges of 

 a body of water. They like a moderately moist soil of 

 medium texture. For formal beds they are planted 

 about five inches deep, and from four to six inches apart. 

 For natural effects, they are planted at about the same 

 depth, but may be any distance apart. For naturalizing, 

 a hole is dug in some unused spot. A little moderately 

 rich soil is put in the bottom, and on this is plsced the bulb, 

 care being taken that the top of the bulb is not within four 

 inches of the surface. The hole is then filled with soil. 



