FLOWERING IN WINTER 57 



expand the flower prematurely so that it can- 

 not pass the neck of the bulb; or, if it does 

 get through, the developing bud will be 

 strangled by its unopened sheath. In other 

 words, it "blasts." 



First, place the potted bulbs in a tempera- 

 ture of 45 to 50 degrees, either in cold pit, 

 cold frame, azalea house, cold greenhouse, 

 light cool garret, or cellar. Here the young 

 growth — ^probably blanched from its cover- 

 ing in the plunge — ^will gradually turn green 

 and grow slowly, but sturdily. At this stage, 

 and thereafter until through flowering, water 

 freely; and once a week give manure water 

 the strength of brown tea or soluble commer- 

 cial fertilizer dissolved in water, one table- 

 spoonful to a gallon. 



If the flower stems and buds keep pace with 

 the foliage in growth, the treatment is cor- 

 rect; if the foliage is outstripping the flower 

 stems, it is proof of too much heat. When 

 both foliage and flower buds are in an ad- 

 vanced stage of development, the plants may 

 be removed to their sunny flowering quarters 

 in the window, conservatory, or greenhouse. 

 For the best health of the plants at this time, 



