34 HAND BOOK FOR THE GARDEN 
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IN-DOOR PLANTING OF BULBS 
Daffodils, Polyanthus Narcissus, Single Tulips and Roman Hya- 
cinths are the easiest to grow in-doors. 
For early flowers in the house, most varieties should be potted in 
September, and for a succession of flowers, at intervals up to Decem- 
ber. A very good soil for the growth of bulbs is composed of one-half 
good garden soil and the equal parts of well-rotted manure or leaf- 
mould and sand well mixed together. The size of pots used depends 
on the size of the bulbs and the effect desired. 
In potting Narcissus leave the earth beneath them loose and fine. 
If this is not done the roots have a tendency to push the bulb up into 
the air. 
Some broken pieces of pots, pebbles or charcoal should be placed 
in the bottom of each pot for drainage. Insert the bulb so its top. will 
be just below the surface, then press down the soil around the sides 
of the pot. After thoroughly soaking the soil and pot in water, they 
should be placed in a cool, dark situation, so as to encourage a strong 
srowth of roots before the bulbs start at the top. If set in the cellar, 
they will need a little water every ten days. Also protect them from 
mice and rats. In six or eight weeks they will have made sufficient 
root growth to admit of bringing to the light. 
Success in pot culture of bulbs depends on well established roots 
before the tops are allowed to start. Water freely, so that the soil may 
be moistened to the bottom of the pots. By bringing a few pots from 
the cellar to the light, every week or so, a succession of flowers may 
be had for months, especially for Christmas and Easter. 
Do not bring bulbs from the cellar to a sunny window the first 
thing. This appiies especially to the large flowered Hyacinths. The 
nucleus of the flower is already folded tight in the heart of the bulb 
and this must pass through the narrow throat of the bulb. If the 
pots are brought into the bright light directly, the flower buds begin 
ie hem too soon and then are unable to pass through the neck of 
the bulb. 
Bring all the bulbs first to the subdued light and keep them there 
until a flower head can be observed. As soon as the stem beneath it 
can be seen the bulbs may be brought at once into the bright light. 
This may- be full sunshine or good light without sunshine. Narcissus 
require sunshine. : 
BULBS IN WATER 
ee age ‘and several other varieties of bulbs do splendidly in 
water. 
Paper White Narcissus are especially satisfactory as they grow 
rapidly and blossom within a few weeks after planting. Chinese 
Sacred Lilies are great favorites for handling this way too. 
Steady the bulbs by placing pebbles at their base, and fill up the 
bowl with water. Give fresh water every few days. They should be 
left in the dark for several weeks, until the top growth is well started 
and the bowl a mass of roots. 
