Evening star., 1942-04-26

the soil moist and frequent, though
shallow, cultivation are other steps
important to the growth of the bulb.
Formerly it was a common prac-
tice TO lift the bulbs and heel them
in In an out-of-the-way space as
soon as the flowers were past. No
doubt this practice did not con-
tribute to the fullest Development of
the bulbs. Perhaps we should refrain
from this system until larger sup
plies of bulbs are available.
It was usual for gardeners to dis
card the smaller sizes of bulbs. know
ing that it was difficult to grow them
to the desired size. Then, too, good
bulbs we're relatively inexpensive so
why not have the hest. This Is not
true for all varieties, There are
few that seem TO tolerate our grow
ing conditions.
A small bed In the back yard. pref
erably shaded from midday and
afternoon sun, is an ideal place in
which to grow the smallest bulbs.
Mix liberal quantities of compost,
peat moss or leaf mold into the
soil to a depth of u inches or more.
Add bone meal and ground lime
stone to neutralize the acidity, espe-
cially the latter when using peat
moss.
When the foliage is dry. indicat-
ing that all growth has stopped,
the bulbs should be lifted Dry
them in the shade and when thor
oughly dry store in a cool, airy
place.
Prepare the beds for fall planting
as early in the fall as possible. 1t
would seem wise to plant by mid
October, so that the bulbs may have
the advantage of becoming well
rooted during the cool weather.
In the past many gardeners have
grown extensive varietal collections
of tulips This is hardly feasible
under present conditions, and 1t
would seem desirable to concen-
trate on a few of the better varie-
ties. No doubt many tulip fans will
take exception to the varieties Sug-
gested. However, this list is Of
fered as a guide to those who do
not take tulip growing so seriously.
OF the whites. Zwanenberg seems
Hbest suited TO our climate Pride
Of HARLEM, a rose-carmine, and
City Of HARLEM, a bright scarlet,
are two of the most outstanding.
Clara Butt. a salmon pink, is a
most dependable of the older va
rieties. La Tulip Noire, a blsckish
maroon. might be added to the list.
although it is not a particularly
strong grower. Picotee, white. heav-
ily margined rose, is cottage tulip
slender and more graceful than
the Darwins) that might well be
included. And, to round out the
list, add Louis XIV, a steel blue,
bluShed bronze with golden edges,
breeder 0ong-lasting type. with
unusual shadings). The Bishop. a
deep royal purple, is another of the
breeder type OF excellent qualities
although not widely grown. For a
yellow one might choose between
Mrs. Moon, Inglescombe Yellow and
Ellen Willmott.
The above varieties are selected
from the three major classes-Dar-
wins, Cottage and Breeders. Other
important classes of tulips are the
Single and Double Earlys, the Par
rot or Fantasy type, the Triumph
as we'll as the botanical The
Wild English tulip-Tulipa sylvestris
tsometiInes listed as T fiorentinal i.
bright yellow. graceful and dainty
plant. is so hardy and dependable
that it may be naturalized. T.
elusiana, the Lady Tulip, with its
peppermint-candy effect CHERRY
red. edged vhitel seem 20 stand q
lot Of abuse. For the rocH garden
one might we'll grow T. Kaufman
mana or a variety of it. They are
I early Towering, short-stemmed tu-
illus that need to be planted in the
foreground.
Let's enjoy our tulips while we
may. Give them good culture
/ plenty of humus, bone meal and
water. with frequent cultivation
and keep them growing. They are
not adapted to our climate and
soils and so need this extra care,
but they are worth the effort.