The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1914-11-19
BULBS MAY BE RAISED INDOORS.

: GUS plants attractive around the lawn
in EARLY spring, but they are also
e most satisfactory for indoor culture
during the winter. They should be
used in separate pots rather than in
window boxes. Holland bulbs, such
as the narcissus, tulip, and hyacinth
are practically the only plants that
will flower satisfactory in the house
with ordinary care. About the only
plant giving similar satisfaction is the
begonia, according to the departments
specialist, who has experimental with
many varieties.
The essentials for growing bulbs in
doors are that they shall become thor
oughly rooted before the tops are per-
mitted to grow. This is done by plant
ing the bulbs in soil either in pots
or-w what florists know as pans" which
are shallow porcelain pots, or in box
es. These bulbs are then put in a
cool place in the dark for a period of
two to six weeks, or even longer if
desired. They should be left there.
until well rooted The bulbs should
then be brought into a slightly warmer
place. with some light, for three or
four days, anu then gradually brought
into greater warmth and full light.
During all the period of growth the
ground should be kept moist without
being water-soaked
Occasionally the roots should be ex-
amined to see whether or not the plant
requires reporting. This is done byl
holding the hands over the top of the
pot, inverting plant and 'all, tappingl
the edge of the pot SO as to looscl,
it, then lifting the pot off, This can |
not be done unless the soil is mod
erately moist. If the ball of earth is
completely covered with roots the
plant should be put in slightly larg-
er pot with new potting soil firmed
about the ball of earth by firming
with the fingers, and then wetted
Those who do net have gardens
would do well to get potting soil of
the nearest florist. If it is desired to
prepare it, one part compost, one part
good loan, and one part sand should
be used. The compost should be COW
and good turf rotted together
for year and turned two or three
INN in fhx init oil IL
leaf mold would answer as a partial
substitute for the compost One TWEEN
.ieth part bone meal is a good addi-
ion to the mixture. If the loan is
Tery heavy, containing much clay, it's
should be somewhat dimin-
she'd If the loan is light and sandy,
'educe the amount of sand, in some
ocalities, omit it altogether.
Narcissi take about five weeks toE
leyelop from the time they are
brought into full light. Hyacinths | n
axe a longer time, and tulips about
he same time as hyacinths. The Ro- L.
nan hyacinths come in little less
ime, while the paper-white narcissusy
My takes about four weeks. 1t is
ard to hold the paper-white narcis-
us for late winter. The hyacinths
nd tulips are hard to bring into
loom before February. The various
orms of the yellow narcissus can be
rought into bloom from December
ntil the time for outdoor blooms by
tarting them into the light at inter-
ais of week or 10 days. For the
arilest bloom it is desirable to get II
ulbs started in October, and all of
ne bulbs should be planted before (
ne middle of November.
Tulips require special care and at /
sntion. 1t is best to place the pots
r pans in a box and cover the whole K
OF with at least inches additional soil
+ ashes and leave them there until AZ
he bud has pushed clear above the
OF; otherwise the blooms will be
.rangled in attempting to get out of
lie bulbs.
Instead of placing in the cellar, :.
lese pots and boxes may be buried in :,
lie open ground, the pots being COW q
ed with inches of soil. In locali- Fl
es where the ground customarily Y
eezes hard a heavy coating of man =
re should be added as soon as the
rst crust freezes over the bulbs. This
yer of manure will prevent their Y
eezing and viii permit the bulbs to q
} removed to the house from time to !:
me as needed
The hyacinth, paper-white nareis=
is, and especially the Chinese sacredl|
" are frequently grown in water.
Decial glasses for these bulbs may
. purchased in which they may be
accessibility grown. or they may be-
aced in any attractive dish and sup 1 ,
irted by pebbles. The water should
} kept so that it touches the botto m
the bulb.-United States Depart
ent of Agriculture.