184 HOME FLORICULTURE 



In potting bulbs from which we desire winter 

 flowers, it is necessary, as I have said, to imitate the 

 processes of nature, therefore, immediately after pot- 

 ting them, the bulbs must be put away in the dark to 

 form roots before they are brought to the light. If 

 put in the light as soon as potted, the roots and the 

 top would begin to grow at the same time, and as 

 there would be no strong roots to nourish and support 

 the top, the development of that part of the plant 

 would be weak, and if any flowers were produced they 

 would be inferior ones. By putting the bulbs in the 

 dark, we imitate the conditions which prevail when 

 we put them in the ground, in fall. The dark place 

 In which they are stored should also be a cool one. 

 Were it warm, the top growth might begin prema- 

 turely, or before there were roots enough to support it 

 properly. Growth of stalks and leaves is encouraged 

 by warmth and light ; growth of roots by darkness 

 and low temperature. Therefore, if you want fine 

 plants, give them ample opportunity to complete the 

 latter growth first, and then bring them under condi- 

 tions which will stimulate the development of leaves 

 and flowers. 



In this way — and in this way only — can we grow 

 bulbs well, in the house. We are often told by those 

 to whom this plan is recommended, that in their 

 opinion it is simply a "whim," but there is no "whim" 

 about it. It is simply following out Nature's plan. 

 This method of starting bulbs is strictly scientific in 

 its nature, if we may be allowed this use of the term 

 in reference to a process which is an imitative one to 

 a very great degree. Those who pot their bulbs and 

 place them at once in the window will almost 

 invariably fail with them, but by following the method 

 outlined above success can always be depended on. 



