CULTURAL SUGGESTIONS - For Commercial Growers 
Order your bulbs early. For best results good root action is essential and this can only be accom- 
plished if the bulbs are planted on time. 
Unpack the bulbs as soon as received. If they are not to be planted immediately they should be 
taken out of the bags and stored in shallow trays in a.cool, well aired location. This is more important 
than is generally believed for much damage can result to the bulbs by a prolonged stay in the shipping 
containers. 
GREENHOUSE FORCING: 
Do not use very shallow flats. We recommend four inches minimum inside depth. Give the flats 
a moderate watering only and bury them in deep trenches and cover thoroughly. Don’t be tempted to 
bring them into heat too soon. This is the cause of most of the failures. 
Examine the bulbs carefully to see that they have established good root systems before bringing 
them into the heat. Be careful of bottom heat for many bulbs are spoiled by immediate, close contact with 
hot pipes. Place under the benches until top growth develops a few inches. A gradual increase in tem- 
perature is better than placing the bulbs immediately into a high heat. 
In the short days of mid-winter full exposure to light and sun is important so do not use areas under 
eaves or where shade from adjoining buildings blocks out light and sun. 
Easter in 1951 comes on March 25th which is a very early date and this will require careful plan- 
ning and selection of varieties suitable for forcing at this date. If in doubt ask us to give you the benefit 
of our long experience. 
OUTDOOR PLANTING: 
Select a well drained location—this is important for no bulbous crop will perform satisfactorily 
where water is not quickly absorbed or does not run off freely. Crop rotation is also important so choose 
a spot where the same crop has not been grown for several years. Plant as early as possible so that the 
bulbs can make a good root system before cold weather sets tn. 
While most Fall planting bulbs are reputed to be hardy the fact remains that serious damage can 
result to unprotected plantings in our Northern states. This damage can be eliminated by some light pro- 
tective covering to be applied before heavy freezing starts and allowed to remain until early Spring. 
The usual field culture is in rows about 8 or 10” wide and three feet apart. The bottom of the 
row is levelled and the bulbs are spaced according to their size and covered to about twice the depth of 
the bulbs. Tulips must be dug and replanted each year but Daffodils and many other bulbs will do well 
if allowed to remain undisturbed for several years. A generous portion of the foliage of bulbous stocks 
must be allowed to remain on the plants and die down naturally for during the ripening off period the 
flowers for the next season are formed. 
DAMAGE BY MICE AND OTHER RODENTS: 
While moles are generally blamed for the destruction of many bulbs during the Winter and Spring, 
they are actually not guilty. Field mice are the culprits but they frequently travel in the runs made 
by moles. 
As yet there has not been developed any repellent to place on or around the bulbs to prevent 
injury by mice and it is therefore necessary to kill these animals. Blend together | gram finely powdered 
magnesium carbonate and 2 grams zinc phosphide. (Obtain through druggists.) Apply mixture to 2 
quarts of 2 inch apple cubes. Place one poisoned apple cube under cover at intervals under mouse run- 
ways or into the burrows. Caution: This poison is highly toxic to humans and animals. 
The whole problem of rodent control, which also includes rabbits and deer, is constantly under 
study by the Fish and Wild-Life Service of the United States Department of Interior and if you have 
peculiar problems we suggest that you write this branch of the government for such assistance as it 
can render. 
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