WAS:Snowdrops in the green - Now: When are bulbs dormant
James Waddick (Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:05:05 PST)

Dear Friends,
The diametric positions given by John and Jim - ship bulbs
dormant versus ship bulbs in growth just reflects the way most
gardeners have been tuned into Dutch Bulb Shipping Practices. DBSP
want all bulbs dormant , dry and shipped in in Sept or Oct. We,
however, as bulb growers KNOW that this schedule is not always the
case. Although most tulips, narcissus and hyacinths tolerate this
timetable, * some bulbs are just not very happy being dug in Sept.
(or earlier) dried on racks and stored for weeks or months before
going back into the ground.

Jane has mentioned Fritillaria, I con confirm Lycoris, and
others have mentioned Galanthus as just needing special handling and
timing.

Isn't it just obvious that some bulbs can tolerate the DBSP,
but some are not as adaptable. We as devoted geophyte fans can adjust
our own personal schedule to dig and ship /share bulbs to fit the
bulbs, not the DBSP routine. This is one reason the Bulb/Seed Ex is
such a success. Donors supply bulbs at the 'right' time, not on
calendar time.

How many complaints have you heard about Eranthis and
Sternbergia being dried out and dead on arrival in Nov. ?

I won't even start on how the DBSP doesn't work very well for
fall blooming bulbs like Fall Crocus, Colchicum etc.

So Jim and John may both be right if the bulbs successfully
make the move, grow and bloom.

Best and Happy Solstice to all. Jim W.

* or have the Dutch have selected cvs that tolerate this schedule?
--
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph. 816-746-1949
Zone 5 Record low -23F
Summer 100F +