Propagating bulbs

From Gardening Wiki

How to Propagate Bulbs

The 4 most interesting photos from Flickr for the tag 'flower bulbs'

Introduction to Commercial Bulb Propagation

Bulbs to be merchantable should be full-grown, not too young, and must be large and handsome in size. Such, besides being sure to bloom, generally produce the finest flowers in the greatest profusion. A bulb will flower poorly or not at all, if it be too young or not fully matured; and it will rot quickly, or not stand transportation if not properly cured.

Most bulb varieties require at least three seasons from off-sets or bulblets before they will be sufficient matured to be marketable. For illustration, take the hyacinth. In its case, as described hereafter under hyacinth, from four to six seasons of growth are required to produce the finest bulbs, which should measure from 8 to 10 inches in circumference. The particular and minute care bestowed by the Hollanders in the production of hyacinth and other bulbs is recommended to all who engage in bulb-growing.

At present, practically all the fall planting bulbs used in America, as well as in other parts of the world, are grown in Holland, which country for many generations has enjoyed a monopoly of the business. These bulbs include the hyacinth, tulip, narcissus, crocus, iris, etc. , of which the annual importation in our country totals many tens of thousands of dollars. The Holland bulb land consists of about 5,000 acres, valued at thousands of dollars per acre. Nevertheless, this expensive land earns a net annual profit of 16 per cent, from the growing of bulbs. The nearest to the Holland soil as well as the climate, as yet discovered in the United States, is in northwest Washington along the Puget Sound. Some experiments in bulb-growing which have been made in that locality, have shown that all the different varieties grow there in perfection, and that as fine bulbs can be produced there as are grown in Holland. Besides which the soil is virgin and healthy, and can be bought cheaply at the present time, from 810 to $100 per acre, according to location. A splendid opportunity is here presented for the development of the bulb industry in America on an extensive scale.

Propagating Bulbs Alphabetically

Propagating amaryllis

Propagating anemone

Propagating begonia

Propagating caladium

Propagating calla lily

Propagating canna

Propagating dahlia

Propagating freesia

Propagating galanthus

Propagating gladiolus

Propagating hyacinth

Propagating iris

Propagating lily

Propagating madeira vine

Propagating peony

Propagating tuberose