r 264 i 



CONSERVATORY AT SYON HOUSE, MIDDLESEX. 



BULBS FOR THE GREENHOUSE. 



GREENHOUSE bulbs may be divided into two classes, firstly, those that require 

 a certain amount of protection to enable them to withstand the winter, and 

 secondly, those that, though quite hardy, flower naturally early in the year, 

 and are largely used for decorations under glass. To this latter section 

 belong the Hyacinth, Tul : p, Narcissus, etc. 



For most bulbous plants a period of absolute rest is required, and this is accomplished 

 either by turning them out of their pots and keeping them on a dry shelf, or allowing them 

 to remain in their pots and withholding water altogether. After having rested some t me 

 they must be repotted, and at first only a little water should be given, but as the plants 

 develop they will require more. When the flowering season is over they will not need so 

 much water, and it must be gradually discontinued till the leaves die off. 

 Following is a select list of Greenhouse Bulbs : 



Allium neapolitamim. — A hardy bulb bearing rounded 

 heads of pure while blossoms on sterns about iSin. high. 

 The bulbs are small, and if eight or nine are put in pots 

 Gin. in diameter they form pretty objects in the green- 

 house during the spring months. The bulbs should be 

 putted early in the autumn, placed out of doors till the 

 pots are filled with roots, and as the season advances 

 taken into a light, airy part of the greenhouse, where they 

 will flower early in the year. Large quantities of cut 

 flowers of this Allium are imported into this country from 

 the South of France every season. 



Amaryllis, also known as Hippeastrum. This is a 

 gorgeous class of bulbous plants, with flowers varying in 

 colour from white to deep crimson, the orange scarlet 

 shades being particularly biilliant. Most of those now in 

 cultivation are of hybrid origin, and have been obtained 



by the intercrossing of about half-a-dozen species, all of 

 which are natives of Brazil and surrounding countries. 

 The various hybrid forms of Amaryllis flower during 

 the early months of the year, and the seed, which as a rule 

 ripens about July and August, affords a ready means of 

 raising them in quantity. The seed may be sown in pots 

 or shallow pans, whichever is at hand ; but the pans are 

 the more convenient. In any case thorough drainage by 

 means of broken crocks must be ensured. A suitable 

 compost for the seeds consists of good yellow loam and 

 leaf mould in equal parts, the whole being passed 

 through a sieve with ^in. mesh. To the above a good 

 sprinkling of silver sand must be added. The pots or pans 

 having been filled to within |in. of the rim with the com- 

 post pressed down moderately firm, the seed may be 

 sown thinly thereon, and covered by a sprinkling about 



