GROWING BULBS IN FIBRE 



it is rather more expensive than ordinary cocoanut fibre, 

 but much better than the latter. 



If a shallow bowl be used it will not be possible entirely 

 to cover large bulbs such as Daffodils and Hyacinths, but 

 this does not matter ; they should, however, be half- 

 covered. Deep vessels are not necessary. They pro- 

 duce no finer flowers than bulbs grown in shallow bowls, 

 and the saving in fibre is considerable. Perhaps the 

 greatest secret of success in growing bulbs in this way 

 is always to keep the fibre moist. That is not to say it 

 must be kept wet. It is difficult to give a satisfactory 

 answer to the question so often asked : " How often 

 should water be given ? " Most probably if the fibre is 

 moist, as it should be, when the bulbs are put in, water 

 once a fortnight until the bulbs begin to grow will be 

 often enough, and once a week afterwards. This is only 

 given as a rough guide ; the most satisfactory plan is 

 to examine the fibre. If it appears somewhat dry, give 

 water. The best place for the bulbs for the first six 

 weeks is in a cool, dark room. If such a room be not 

 available, they may be placed under a bed, or in a 

 sunless room and covered with paper. The chief thing 

 is to keep them cool and fairly dark. A closed cup- 

 board is about the worst place for them. I usually put 

 them under a table in a cool room and cover them with 

 newspaper. 



In six or eight weeks they will be well rooted and 

 top growth becomes apparent. The latter is an indica- 

 Q 241 



