CONSER VA TORY PLANTS— NARCISSUS. 



22 7 



Narcissus and daffodil bulbs intended for forcing ought to be procured early, or say, 

 not later than September, and at once potted. For cutting purposes they may be 

 flowered in boxes, but for conservatory decoration pots are preferable, three bulbs going 

 to each 6-inch pot. Insert and treat exactly as advised for hyacinths. From the 

 ashes move them, before the top-growth has made much progress, to frames, intro- 

 ducing them to gentle heat 

 as required. They make 

 slower progress than do 

 Eoman hyacinths, and must 

 not be hurried at first. A 

 temperature of 55° to 00° is 

 sufficient till the flower-bud 

 has cleared the neck of the 

 bulb, after which another 5° 

 may be given. Weak liquid 

 manure has a good effect, 

 but the greatest care must 

 be taken not to over-water, 

 as this may lead to many 

 flower-buds failing to ex- 

 pand. 



Of the small trumpet- 

 flowered Narcissi the only 

 two recommended for forcing 

 are Burbidgei and Poeticus 

 ornatus, both belonging to 

 the popular Pheasant's Eye 

 section. There is very little difference in point of earliness, but the flowers of Poeticus 

 ornatus are somewhat superior. Neither of them ought to be started very early or be 

 subjected to high temperatures. Introduced to gentle heat early in December, the first 

 flowers may be had during the first week in February. 



Bulbs of those varieties are small and the growth is somewhat spindly. Five to eight 

 bulbs may be placed in a 6-inch pot, and in all respects treated similarly to the larger 

 Trumpet section. Never keep the bulbs out of pots or boxes, whichever may be used, 



Fig. 136. Polyanthus Narcissus, Hek Majesty. 



