The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1914-11-14
BULBS MAY BE
RAISED INDOORS

Not only are tulips and other bull
,0us plants attractive around the
lawn in early spring. but they are
also most satisfactory for indoor cul-
ture during the winter. They should
he used in separate pots rather than
in window boxes. Holland bulbs,
such as the narcissus, tulip, and hya-
cinth, are practically the only plants
that will flower satisfactorily in the
house with ordinary care. About the
only plant giving similar satisfaction
is the begonia, according to the de-
partment's specialist, who has exper-
imented with many varieties.
The essentials for growing bulbs
indoors are that they shall become
thoroughly rooted before the tops are
permitted to grow. This Is done by
planting the bulbs in soils either in
pots or what florists know as pans"
which are shallow porcelain pots, or
in boxes. These bulbs are then put
in a cool place In the dark for a per.
iod of two to six or eight weeks, or
even longer II desired. They should
be left there until the roots are well
started. The bulbs should then be
brought into slightly warmer ploce
with some light, for three or four
days, and then gradually brought in.
to greater warmth and full light.
During all the period of growth the
ground should be kept moist with
out being water soaked.
Occasionally the roots should be
examined to see whether or not the
plant requires reporting. This is done
by holding the hands over the top of
the pot, inverting plant and all, tap
ping the edge of the pot so as to
loosen it, then lifting the pot off. This
can not be done unless the soil Is
moderately moist. II the ball of
earth is completely covered with
roots the plant should be put In
slightly larger pot with new potting
soil frmed about the old ball Of earth
by irming with the fingers and then
wetted thoroughly.
rl,n Il 40 bav ardn
would do well to get potting soil of
the nearest florist. II II Is desired
to prepare it, one part compost, one
part good loan, and one part sand
should be used. The compost should
be cow manure and good turf rotted
together for a year and turned two
or three times in the interim. Well
decomposed leaf mold would answer
as a partial substitute for the COM
post. One-twentieth part bone meal
II the loan Is very heavy, contain
ing much clay, its proportions should
be somewhat diminished. II the loan
is light and sandy, reduce the amount
Of sand or, in some localities, omit
It altogether.
Narcissi take about five weeks 10
develop from the time they are
brought into full light. Hyacinths
take longer time, and tulips about
the same time as hyacintbs. The
Roman hyacinths come In a little
less time, while the pape- white mar
cssus only takes about four weeks.
1t is hard to hold the paper white
narcissus for late winter. The hya-
cinths and tulips are hard to bring
into bloom before February. The
various forms of yellow narcissus
can be brought into bloom from De-
cember until the time for out door
blooms by starting the bulbs early
in the fall and bringing them in the
light at intervals of week or ten
days. For the earliest bloom 1t Is
desirable to get the bulbs started In
October, and all of the bulbs should
be planted before the middle OF No
yember.
Tulips require special care and at
tention. II is best to place the pots
or pans in box and cover the whole
pot with at least two inches add
uonal soil or ashes and leave them
there until the bud has pushed clear
above the pot; otherwise the blooms
VIII be strangled In attempting to.
get out of the bulbs.
instead of placing In the cellar,
'nese pots and boxes may be buri-
'u IN the open ground, the pots be-
hs covered with four inches Of soil;
;" localities where the ground Gus
,0n'arily freezes hard heavy coat
Hs OF manure should be added as
oooh as the first crust freezes over