18 BULLETIN 962, U. S, DEPARTMENT OF AGRIClTLTUEE, 



to the row set up, and another size strewn along the row about one to 

 the inch. The latter should not be covered so deeplj^ as the large 

 bulbs. 



A modification of the above method of planting which obviates the 

 moving of so much soil has proved satisfactory. The ground is pre- 

 pared as before and preferably floated or rolled. Rows are then 

 opened up lengthwise of the bed with a wheel hoe having a plow 

 attachment. A row is opened and planted, and then the second row 

 is opened i.nd the first covered by the same operation. Five or six of 

 these rows 6 to 8 inches apart are planted ; then a row is skipped for 

 a path and the next bed started. Either of these forms of setting 

 gives a thick planting, which it is believed is the most economical of 

 space, labor, and materials. 



TIME TO PLANT NORMAL VEGETATIVELY PROPAGATED STOCKS. 



In vegetative propagation the time of planting will always be late 

 autumn, though the date will vary with the locality. There are two 

 important requirements that should be met. The bulbs should be 

 well rooted before the ground gets so cold that no growth can take 

 place. On the other hand, they should be planted so late that top 

 growth will not take place before winter. The grower should en- 

 deavor to strike a balance between these two extremes, remembering 

 that this lily does not stop growing so long as the moisture and tem- 

 perature conditions are favorable. It is this characteristic that makes 

 the crop a precarious one on portions of the Gulf coast, where suit- 

 able growing weather for it is likely to be interspersed with sudden 

 drops of temperature which are severe enough to cut the top growth. 



In the climate of Washington, D. C, the best time to plant is about 

 the first of November. Even at this late date the plants sometimes 

 come through in very open winters and are somewhat yellowed by 

 subsequent cold weather in early spring, but no injury has been 

 apparent thus far. 



MULCHING. 



The matter of a mulch is of sufficient importance to be treated 

 separately; indeed, it has sometimes seemed that a mulch expressed 

 the difference between success and a large measure of failure in 

 growing these plants under field conditions. 



The mulch serves a dual purpose. It is an adjunct to the fertilizer 

 applied and a protective covering as well. The application should 

 consist of an inch or two of manure. The material should be either 

 fine or strawy and not cloddy, so as not to interfere with the plants 

 coming through. 



The application should be made in early winter after the ground 

 has cooled off sufficiently so that growth is stopped, and it should 

 remain during the growing season. 



