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Bulb Culture: Spanish

Early bulbs, such as paper white narcissi and Roman hyacinths, will root sufficiently in a period of six weeks. It is much better, however, to leave bulbs in storage for a period of eight weeks. Spanish iris bulbs require a longer period for the formation of root growth than most of the other bulbs. This group is probably the most difficult group to force successfully. They should remain buried in the cold frame or in the pit, with all top growth retarded, until a complete root system is established. When ample roots are formed and about one inch of top growth has appeared, it is time to lift all bulbs and remove them to a semi-dark cellar where they may be kept in a cool temperature with little light to encourage the immediate development of stems and foliage. Avoid, at this period, direct sunlight. After a reasonable amount of growth is secured, place the pots where desired. Bulbs should be taken out of storage in relays to provide a succession of bloom.

There are very few types of bulbs which are adapted for forcing in water. The paper white narcissus is best adapted to this type of forcing. A few of the other types of narcissus may be grown in this way, and occasionally early single tulips, Spanish irises, and crocuses can be successfully forced in water. The best method of forcing bulbs in water is that of setting each bulb in a shallow receptacle, partially filled with sand or coarse gravel, and keeping the water just even or slightly below the base of the bulb. These bulbs should then be kept in a dark, cool place for at least six weeks, and the receptacle should be frequently filled with water, which must always be clear and fresh. After the bulbs have commenced to root they may be treated in the same way as bulbs forced in soil.

Bulbs which have been forced in any manner are of no value for forcing during the second year. Such bulbs should be allowed to ripen their foliage by setting the pots or flats in a cool, light place, and providing them with sufficient water to keep the bulb from drying out until the top growth has ripened and begins to die. These bulbs may then be set in the open ground at the proper time in the autumn and they will produce some flowers during the succeeding year. It is seldom that they will recover their vigour sufficiently to be of value for the purpose of forcing during the second or third year.