Beckerfs "Bulbs for Tall Planting 



Autumn 

 1916 



Tulips growing in Fiber 



Roman Hyacinths growing in Fiber 



PREPARED HOLLAND 

 FIBER 



Narcissi growing in Fiber 



For Growing Bulbs in Vases, Bowls, Jardinieres, etc., without Drainage 



By using this Fiber instead of potting soil, when growing bulbs indoors, no drainage is required in the receptacle in which the bulbs 

 arc planted. Consequently carpet, furniture, etc., will not be soiled by the Fiber or water coming through the base of the receptacle. 



This Fiber is carefully prepared for us in Holland, is clean and free from any odor, and contains suffi- 

 cient plant nutrition for the bulbs until they have bloomed. 



Wonderful success has been obtained by planting in this Fiber such bulbs as Dutch and Roman Hya- 

 cinths; Paper-White, Chinese and other Narcissi; Tulips, Freesias, Crocuses, etc. 



Bulbs are planted in similar manner as we direct for planting bulbs in soil. It is not desirable, however, 

 to press the Fiber too firmly, otherwise the roots do not penetrate freely, and the bulbs may push them- 

 selves upward out of the Fiber. Once planted, they require but little attention, only they must be kept 

 moist, but on no account must it be sodden or too wet. The Fiber should never be permitted to become 

 dry; if so, the pores of the roots close up, and failure is likely to result. Until the bulbs have sprouted about 

 1 inch, they should be kept in a dark, cool but airy cellar, room or pantry, then brought to the light, prefer- 

 ably where cool, but above the freezing-point. Bulb Fiber can also be used advantageously for planting 

 bulbs in pots, as the Fiber does not dry out so readily as soil. 



1/2 pk $0 30 I 1/2 bus $0 85 



1 pk 50 I 1 bus 1 50 



By parcel post, add for postage at your zone rate — on V2 pk. for 4 lbs., pk. 7 lbs., V2 bus. 14 lbs., bus. 28 lbs. 



HYACINTHS 



Their Culture 



For the Garden. The soil must have good drainage and be dug to a depth of 12 inches. The beds 

 should slope from the center outward for surface drainage. The soil requires no special fertilizer, well- 

 rotted manure, dug in, sufficing for the wants of the bulbs and also for the usual bedding plants to follow 

 in such beds the next spring. Plant the bulbs 6 to 9 inches apart and to a depth, from the crown of the 

 bulb, of about 3 inches in heavy soil and 4 inches in light soil. Protect the beds with 3 to 4 inches of leaves 

 or light litter, gradually removing this in the spring. It is still better to cover with several inches of well- 

 rottcd and light manure, allowing this to remain on the beds in the spring, this mulch keeping the beds 

 moist and cool, through which the blooming period is considerably lengthened. The bulbs can be planted 

 from October until the ground freezes, but early planting is preferable, as the root-growth has time to 

 develop, enabling the plants to better withstand the winter's severity, and also contributing to the produc- 

 tion of larger and more perfect flower-spikes. 



For Pots, Bowls or Boxes. Use porous soil thoroughly mixed with well-rotted manure and some 

 sand, not omitting some drainage. A single bulb will require a 5-inch pot. Allow same proportionate space, 

 when planting a number of bulbs in larger pots or window-boxes. Remove any sprouts there may be at 

 the base of the bulbs. Plant the bulbs two-thirds below the surface, water thoroughly, and place in a cool, 

 dark but airy situation until the roots are well established, then bring to the light. 



Hyacinths in Glasses. Hyacinths should not be started in water before the end of October. The 

 bulbs require a certain period of rest and, if started too early, they will not develop a satisfactory root-growth 

 and consequently will produce an imperfect flower. 



With proper attention, the Hyacinth will produce as perfect a flower in water as in soil. For this pur- 

 pose, use only the most perfect bulbs and, before placing them in the glasses, free the base of the bulb 

 from dust, remnants of old decayed roots that may still adhere, ancl any other impurities. This will prevent 

 contaminating the water. After thoroughly cleaning the interior of the glasses, fill them with pure, clear 

 soft water. Rainwater cannot be recommended. The entire base of the bulb must be in contact with the 

 surface "f the water and remain so until the roots develop. Replenish the water as it evaporates or renew 

 if it becomes offensive. Place them in a cool and dark location, letting them remain there until the 

 roots nearly reach the bottom of the glasses. Should any of the roots after starting show decay, lift the 

 bulb out of the glass and remove such roots. When bringing them to the light, place them where they 

 are cool, as the flower will develop more perfectly and last longer. 



French Roman Hyacinths. For forcing. The flowers are more freely produced, two or more spikes 

 shooting from a single bulb. Treat same as Dutch Hyacinths, in pots or boxes. The white variety, if 

 planted early, bloom in December. 



Miniature Dutch Hyacinths. Spikes larger and later than those of the French sort. Plant six to 

 ten bulbs in pots or pans according to size of vessel. 



Hyacinth in glass 



