Best way to plant 100 bulbs that will have to be transplanted

[Stonehenge]

I'm going to be growing some bulbs for the landscape expo show next spring (Feb-March), and am wondering how to best go about it. Should I try to snake some empty flats from a local supplier and fill with soil? Should I just plant them in a wide, flat box of soil? Individual pots for each?

Also, when should I take them indoors to begin to grow them? 8 weeks out? More?

Thanks! :flowers:

[dan deutekom]

It all depends on the type of bulb. What you are attempting to do is force the bulb. This is a common practice used in the florist industry. It usually involves planting the bulbs in pots, keeping them chilled for a specified time and then bringing the pots into the warmth to grow and bloom. I havn't done it for a long time so I forget the details but I believe tulips need to be chilled in the pot for about 8 weeks, and then grown in the warmth for about 3. Some bulb suppliers can supply pre chilled bulbs.

[dan deutekom]

This link may help http://www.bulb.com/spring/timetable.asp

[Stonehenge]

I knew as soon as I asked, regarding what types of bulbs - some Scilla, Daffodils and Snowdrops. I'll check out that link.

The nice thing about shopping for bulbs now is that most all are on closeout - so I bought some extra just in case some didn't grow. But for 100, I paid about $9.

[Stonehenge]

Aw man, that link is PERFECT!! Thanks a ton! :flowers: :flowers: :flowers:

[Will Pacala]

I'm with stone, that link is awesome, I'm putting that one in my favorites list!!!! By the way do you guys charge by the bulb or by the job (the usual way)??

[jwholden]

Jeff,

I don't want to spend your money...but,

call a local grower or florist supplier and tell them the date of the show and what you will need. It may be an item that they will have in stock anyway. If your bulbs are a little late or a little early that is a lot of wasted effort. Sounds like a great project to keep you going through the winter.

[Will Pacala]

Sounds like that should work. A little time and money consuming though.

[Stonehenge]

JW -

I'm with you on that. I tried to force Hyacinths 2 years ago, but got a late start, and they bloomed beautifully, about 2 weeks after the show.

The place hosting the show is a greenhouse and we have the opportunity to order stuff from them that will be in full bloom at show time, but I'm trying to shave costs on this thing - I have a tendency to spend more than I should on these kinds of things, so I'm trying to behave. :) $20 and some of my time, versus about $400. Plus I get to learn a bit more about bulbs in the process. :flowers:

[Will Pacala]

Sounds good, How long is the show and what else will be featured in your display?? Hope all goes well with it.

[jwholden]

I have a tendency to spend more than I should on these kinds of things

Perhaps we should have a thread on this one where we can make posts anonymously. :)

[Stonehenge]

JW - ;)

Will - The show will last three days, and I'm not quite sure what we'll display yet - haven't created a design. But I know it will have some bulbs, a tree, and some hardscapes.

[Will Pacala]

Sounds neat. Can or will you be able to include water like fountains, ponds, waterfalls????

[Stonehenge]

Here's the new bulb forcing nursery. Small operation, we only have a little over a hundred bulbs here, but that'll be enough for what we want to do.

[Stonehenge]

Well, I have a disappointing update....

The pots growing the bulbs look pretty much the same as they did in the picture above - a few bulbs have sprouted some roots, and one of the hyacinths is showing about 1/4" of green, but that's it. I think those bloom times on that site are way off.

Any tips on how I can increase the growth rate of these things?

They were planted according to that site, tips of the bulbs just above ground, they've been kept moist, indirect sunlight for a week (now I'm giving them full sunlight, for lack of knowing anything else to do), temp is in the mid-60s' to 70 (F).

Is there a good fert I can apply to give these things a quick boost? The expo is less than 3 weeks away, and I don't think anyone will be impressed by pots filled with dirt.... :huh:

As a side note, I think next fall I'm going to buy bulbs in September and stick them in the freezer, then pull 'em out in mid-December.

[jwholden]

Put 'em by the heater or on top of the fridge. :)

[Bill Schwab]

Jeff:

If there is a local floral supplier you may be able to cut a deal where you put the bulbs in thier coolers which will be easier to force them come show time.

We maintained one and asked hem to do it for us, and they happily obliged!

[dan deutekom]

Try to get a little more heat to them. You have to remember with bulbs that once they start they grow real fast. The way I have forced bulbs in the past is to plant them in pots in late October and then put them in cold frames outside that are well insulated with straw so that I could bring the pots inside at the appropriate times. Tulips would take about 3 weeks from bringing inside to bloom.

[Stonehenge]

I think I'm going to have to change my design to accommodate not having any bulbs ready for the show. :rrr:

About half the pots have mold growing in them. I don't think I over-watered, and had a fan blowing over them 24/7, sitting a few feet from the heat ducts.

Got a couple Hyacinths to sprout, but they stalled and are now yellow. Have a few other showing some promise, but they'll be ready about 3-4 weeks after the show. :rrr: Home Depot is selling a variety of bulbs - maybe I'll stop in there. :rrr:

This is the second time I've failed miserably at this. Feeling like I have a brown thumb....