New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1914-11-25
BULBS MAY BE RAISED INDOORS.

Not only are tulips and other dubious
plants attractive around the lawn in
early spring, but they are also 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 satisfactorily
in the house with ordinary care. About
the only plant giving milar satisfaction
is the begonia, according to the depart
ment's specialist, who has experimental
with many varieties.
The essentials for growing bulbs in
doors are that they sshall become thoro-
roughly rooted before the tops are per-.
mitted to grow. This is done by plant
ing the bulbs in soil either in pots or what
florists know as pans, which are
shallow porcelain pots, or in boxes. These
bulbs are then put in cool place in the
dark for period of two to six or eight
weeks, or even longer if desired. They
should be left there until the roots are
we'll started The bulbs should then be
brought into slightly warmer place,
with some light, for three or four days,
and 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
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, tapping 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. If 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 firming
with the fingers, and then wetted
thoroughly.
Those who do not have gardens would
do we'll 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 manure and good
turf rotted together for year and turned
two or three times in the interim. Well
decomposed leaf mold would answer as
a partial substitute for the compost.
One-twentieth part bone meal is good
addition to the mixture. If the loan is
very heavy, containing much clay, its
proportion should be somewhat diminish
ed. If the loan is light and sandy,
reduce the amount of sand, or in some
localities, omit it altogether.
Narcissi take about five weeks to
develop from the time they are brought
into full light. Hyacinths take longer
time, and tulips about the same time as
hyacinths. The Roman hyacinths come
in little less time, while the paper-white
narcissus only takes about four weeks.
It is hard to hold the paper-white
narcissus for late winter. The hyacinths
and tulips are hard to bring into bloom
before February. The various forms of
the yellow narcissus can be brought into
bloom from December until the time
for outdoor blooms by starting the bulbs
early in the fall and bringing them into
the light at intervals of week or 10
days. For the earliest bloom it is
desirable to get the bulbs started in
October, and all of the bulbs should be
planted before the middle of November.
Tulips require special care and at
tention. It is best to place the pots or
pans in box and cover the whole pot
with at least 2 inches additional soil or
ashes and leave them there until the bud
has pushed clear above the pot; other
wise the blooms will be strangled in
attempting to get out of the bulbs.
Instead Of placing in the cellar, these
pots and boxes may be buried in the open
ground, the pots being covered with 4
inches of soil. In localities where the
ground customarily freezes hard heavy
coating of manure should be added as
soon as the first crust freezes over the
bulbs. This layer OF manure will prevent
their freezing and will permit the bulbs
to be removed to the house from time to
time as needed.
The hyacinth, paper-white narcissus,
and especially the Chinese sacred lily are
frequently grown in water. Special
glasses for these bulbs may be purchased
in which they may be successfully grown,
or they may be placed in any attractive
dish and supported by pebbles. The
water should be kept so that it touches
the bottom of the bulb.
According to the Standard. Frank