The Garden Community for Garden Lovers
 

Scotland Sco

I asked advice of an experienced grower because my bowls of bulbs often grow at different rates. He suggested covering the spaces with an upturned pot. Within 48 hours here are the results of my experiment. My question is when do I remove the pots?



Img_0843 Img_0846

Answers

 

You asked so... Those upturned pots look rather silly. They spoil the whole effect. I'd just let them grow. Looks like they may need watering. Did you plant all the same variety? Bulbs have a "built in time clock." Some just need more time.

9 Mar, 2017

 

I cannot see the point of trying to make pots of mixed bulbs all come into flower at the same time. The beauty of mixed bulbs is that you get a succession of flowers over a longer period of time. Also by forcing the bulbs you end up with a weaker plant which will not produce its best. In future, I would stick to filling the whole bowl with the same variety of bulb or planting at a different depth to give a succession of flowers.

9 Mar, 2017

 

I usually use bulbs that flower at different times so that as one type finishes another starts.

9 Mar, 2017

 

This seems like a good idea to me as it will force the growth . We used to put cardboard collars round ours , open at the top so the plants would seek the light. I think it is just a matter of lifting the pots from time to time to see if you think its time to move them. But when some of the bulbs are already flowering its probably a bit late to start.
Do you find early irises seem to be prone to erratic growth? Two of my pots have been just the same this year.

9 Mar, 2017

 

Thank you all for your advice. I had hoped these ,all Iris Reticulata, would maybe make it to a show this year. The bulbs do all have to be the same if the class states that is what is wanted. Bathgate they do not need watering. I stand the pots in trays of water to water from below. Maybe I should have chosen bulbs from a specialist rather than use GC or supermarket bulbs. I am gaining experience and value the opinion of members. I probably should have planted many more bulbs in the pot so that would take care of the time clock effect. Jimmy they are all the same it is not a mixture but you make a good point about forced bulbs being weaker. I am learning the hard way. Sbg in my pots outside, there for my pleasure only I do tend to plant bulbs that will flower through the year. Steragram I do need to be more careful of turning the pots regularly to ensure they get a fair chance of some sunshine but this year the weather has been totally irrational with barely two days being in the same season. This is my first go at growing to show and the advice given by the expert would probably have been acted on much earlier in his nursery. I will be more vigilant next year.

9 Mar, 2017

 

They look great, can see for showing they will need to be uniform, good luck. I planted 20 I got at John Lewis last fall, disappointed they only lasted a few days, hardly worth the trouble to me. Can I plant the bulbs out later in spring and leave them in the ground?

10 Mar, 2017

 

I am no expert but I think it depends on the bulbs -are they considered hardy enough to grow outdoors in your area. If so I think you let the foliage die down (feed with half strength tomato food ) then allow the bulbs to dry off and plant them out later in the year. If your results indoors were unsatisfactory it could be because they are not happy indoors. Maybe it was too warm or not watered enough or overwatered. What was it you planted because another member might be able to give a more specific answer. You might get better results by asking your question in the Gardening Questions area. That way more members might benefit from the answers you get. Many members look through the questions and find answers they did not think to invite for themselves.

10 Mar, 2017

How do I say thanks?

Answer question

 


Not found an answer?