Daffodils And Hyacinth Beautiful In Drifts
Daffodils
So that they will make a strong root system plant them outdoors early. Before planting dig fine peat into the soil and apply at the same time bone meal or any good complete fertilizer. If you use manure be sure that it is old, and be sure that you dig it in deep enough that only the roots will reach it. Set the bulbs 5 to 6 inches deep, 4 to 6 inches apart.
Grow Daffodils in “drifts” which simply means in irregular masses, either large or small. This can be done by scattering the bulbs broadcast and planting where they fall. Let them fall thickly in some places, lightly elsewhere. The result will be more natural-appearing.
Daffodils shine when planted in clumps in the mixed border, along walks and in combination with single early Tulips they are especially showy. Plant some Daffodils with tulips for an effect that is startlingly bright.
Daffodils are very satisfactory grown indoors in pots. During October pot up a number of varieties. Place them in a cool dark basement; remember it must be cool, about 40 to 50 degrees; and let them root about 12 to 14 weeks before bringing to light. When planted soak well, allow to drain, and water regularly once or twice a week thereafter. The easiest way is to plunge the pot in a bucket of water and leave it there until bubbles cease. Remove, drain, and set the pots, where you have chosen to root the bulbs. The best time to water is about mid-day. When the bulbs are brought to light the temperature should not be over 60 degrees. Do not try to flower them in a room where an incubator temperature prevails. Remember, root them in a cool dark place at least 12 to 14 weeks.
Hyacinth
Planted informally in “drifts” Hyacinths will scent the spring garden with a perfume, delicious, intoxicating, almost overpowering. They are especially valuable for bedding and for pot culture.
Plant the bulbs outdoors 4 to 6 inches deep, 6 inches apart in well-enriched loam. Sprinkle a little coarse sand at the base of each bulb for drainage. Protect during winter with a mulch of clean straw which is removed in the spring. The bulbs may be set in the garden from late September to early December. The best time however is throughout October.
Hyacinths grown in pots MUST be kept in the dark at least 12 to 14 weeks. So avoid using any outdoor lighting. Say NO to low voltage landscape lighting. It MUST be COOL where they are placed to root – cool and dark. A temperature about 50 degrees is ideal – not more. Do not let the potting soil dry out. Hyacinth roots are brittle. If they dry out the tips of the roots harden, so keep the soil nicely moist at all times. Bring the pots to light when the flower spikes have emerged above the foliage. Both the leaves and the flower bells will be almost white; they soon color up in the light. Hyacinths and other bulbs for that part, can be rooted outdoors. Plunge the pots deeply in the soil; cover with about 6 inches of light loam. In about 12 weeks bring indoors, first to a cool basement for a couple of days, then to a cool room where they will flower.
They may also be grown in special Hyacinth glasses. Fill the glass with water until the water is within 1/4 inch of the base of the bulb. Do not let the water touch the bulb. Add charcoal to the water to keep it sweet. Change the water from time to time and keep in a cool dark place at least 12 weeks.
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