Gardening Questions Early flowering?
Early flowering?
Asked on 8 Dec, 2007
These should not flower until the end of Feb. No protection. grown outside. I wanted them for a show in Feb/March, so how should I have held them back? They are virtually evergreen so not planting does not work. N.bulbocodiumTaffeta.
Replies
9 Dec, 2007
they look fabulous! you could try storing them in a dark place, if they get no light they won't be able to photosynthesise.
9 Dec, 2007
They probably were in the coldest part of the garden, perhaps I will put them in the fridge next year. They are in a pot, for showing.
Keeping them in the dark does not stop them growing, it merely turns them yellow and etiolated.
Even their normal brethren, N, bulbocodiums in the soil are flowering now.
9 Dec, 2007
I think early bulbs respond to the temperature as they are programmed to sprout, flower and set seed asap in the growing season. As darryluk says, they need to go in the coldest part of your garden to try and hold them back
9 Dec, 2007
I think early bulbs respond to the temperature as they are programmed to sprout, flower and set seed asap in the growing season. As darryluk says, they need to go in the coldest part of your garden to try and hold them back
9 Dec, 2007
This IS a cold garden, we have had frost every month of the year at one time or another (except August). Funny though, the snowdrops are nowhere near as advanced. Jusr found another set of potted daffs with well developed flower buds too, and a pot of crocus which have been eaten by a mouse!
Joined 24 Sep, 2007
9 Dec, 2007
Only real way I can think of is to keep them growing in the coldest part of the garden.Not easy I know but if the climate warms the plant up too early it will bloom! They are in a pot?Is there a cool place you can put them next time? If they have to stay outdoors,try covering with some plant fleece to protect from any frosts this time.