New Member/Ferraria crispa
Rand Nicholson (Fri, 03 Oct 2003 07:08:00 PDT)

Hello:

As an introduction to the PBS List, I am a plant hobbiest with a
modest collection, growing a few CPs, Aroids, including
Amorphophallus sp. and Arisaema, Bromeliads, orchids, caudiciforms
and a hodgepodge of other interesting (to me) plants. Constantly
trying new bulbs, I face certain challenges with many because of my
zone 5b (offically, if not always in fact) Atlantic Maritime Canadian
climate. This often causes me to try and "switch" over bulbs that I
_Just Must Have_ from a southern cycle to a northern so that I can
grow them outside in our spring and summer. Otherwise, I attempt to
grow and bloom them through winter indoors desperately hoping for
some colour in a rather long white season.

Which brings me to some questions:

I have just received some Ferraria crispa bulbs/tubers which are on a
Mediterranean cycle and am wondering how I can grow them here in
Maritime Canada. What kind of culture should I give them and can they
be "switched" to our northern seasons? They are starting to sprout in
my veggie crisper as I write, so I have no choice but to pot these up
now.

Also, anything anyone knows about growing Serapias lingua and Morea
sp would be appreciated.

Regards,

Rand Nicholson
z 5b Maritime Canada