Last season, I tried to force a bunch of hyacinths. I planted them properly and put them up in the attic, where I figured it would get cold, but not freezing. I even left a water bottle nearby as an indicator- is it frozen yet? But it did not get cold enough, and that was a pretty cold winter. They sprouted these sad, pale, long, flaccid shoots.
Of course, I have learned a great deal from Mike McGrath. Whenever this question comes up, he asks, "Ya got a beer fridge?" These things need to be in a fridge-like environment, but with NO FRUIT. Apparently fruit causes premature sprouting, I think because of the ethylene. I don't really like fruit. The only fruits I typically have in my fridge are limes or lemons, primarily for mixing with vodka or tequila. I do have some things that are technically "fruits," like bell peppers and cucumbers. Do they emit ethylene? Can I test this? I need a... what is it, a head-space FT-IR?
Back in late October, I potted up a bunch of the Tete a Tete daffodils in these nice little pots, I think about 8" in diameter. I bought begonias in these pots, and I think I am getting more use out of the pots. I used regular potting mix, I think it was old potting mix that had already been used all season. I know that bulbs do not need any nutrition during this time, so I wasn't worried about the quality of the potting mix. I did mix in more perlite, because I know drainage is so important. Then I soaked them for a long time in the sink, labeled them with the type and the date, and put them up on the top shelf near the back.
From Mike McGrath, I had in my mind that 12 weeks was the minimum number. Then I was reading Fine Gardening recently and they listed some longer time. And they specifically said, "Do not be fooled by green shoots emerging, that does not mean they have met their chilling requirement." But I wanted to try it. I took up the one that had the largest shoots coming out, and put it in the window. I got some great blooms on it so far, and they keep coming!
I put it on my little side table, basically a pedestal, and admired it all weekend. Then this morning I brought it into work. Last year I would have put it on my desk, but now with my new position my desk is at the opposite end of the building and I only even go to it 4 or 5 days a month. So I put this in my lab, where I will see them more, and where we have customers visiting regularly, so maybe it will make it look nice? When I was walking in with my little flower pot, I think people responded nicely. Daffodils mean hope!
I took out the next one this weekend, 2 weeks after the first. Maybe I will bring it to my mom, I think she would enjoy that. Also I will be gone all of next week, which is when they would be at their best, but that's not the point.
I also have some crocus in there, but I think they went in much later.
I also have some crocus in there, but I think they went in much later.
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