Deeper planting bulbs
Nan Sterman (Sun, 16 Nov 2003 22:27:16 PST)
In a recent UK TV programme it was implied that planting bulbs deeper
than "normal" discouraged bulbs from increasing by side bulblets, and
consequently gave larger flowers and continuing flowering in subsequent
years. In this case large flowered tulip hybrids were the example. The
commentary I think said "deeper planting, equals cooler bulbs, larger
flowers, longer bulb life", though presumably less bulb increase.
Is this "cooler bulbs point" a valid argument for bulbs like tulips, or
indeed bulbs in general? E.g. some reticulate irises which split up much
more readily than tulips in my experience.
I did some research on lilies (Asiatic and Oriental) for an article I
wrote last year and the expert I consulted also recommended deep
planting, in part because the deeper the cooler, and in part because
the deeper, the better the root system and the sturdier the stem
which, especially with lilies, tends to be a weak point. I am sure
you've seen lilies splayed out on the ground with their over heavy
blooms just weighing down the poor stems. Supposedly planting bulbs
deeper is a way to counter this phenomenon.
--
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Nan Sterman Plant Soup (TM)
PO Box 231034
Encinitas, CA 92023 760.634.2902 (voice)
Talkingpoints@PlantSoup.Com 760.634.2957 (fax)
+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=