Q&A: Growing Bulbs in Warm Climates Question: I grew up in New York and now that I've moved to New Orleans, I'm confused about growing bulbs here: Which ones need to be chilled? I grow mine in containers on a balcony, and assume I need to bring them all in IF it freezes. I'm growing cannas, caladiums, hyacinths, daffodils, paper whites, Stargazer lilies, and tulips. Can I force any of these, or do they need chilling first?
Answer: Many plants, including most common bulbs, have an annual cycle of growth and rest. The hardy spring-bloomers you remember from New York, such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, rest during the hot summer and cold winter then grow in spring. They need a certain number of chilling hours to break dormancy. If your cold-hardy bulbs, especially the tulips and hyacinths, don't get 6 to 10 weeks of freezing temperatures, they won't bloom. Paper whites are in the daffodil family, but they are native to a warmer climate. If you leave them in your pot year round, they'll bloom in the fall. They are also the easiest flower bulbs to force. Give them with moisture and light and they'll grow and bloom effortlessly. For tender bulbs native to warmer climates, such as caladiums and cannas, the rest period coincides with whatever season does not support growth due to drought or excessive heat. Cannas can stay right in the ground over the winter. They'll regrow all on their own. Gradually decrease the water you give your caladiums until the leaves fade and dry up. Dig up the bulbs (technically rhizomes); allow them to dry in a cool, shady place for a few days, and store them in dry peat moss for the winter. Your Stargazer Oriental lily can stay out for the winter as long as the soil in its container is well drained; it might rot if the soil holds too much moisture. |
Q&A: Building a Hot Bed Question: We live in Alaska and would like to build a hot bed for raising vegetable into the fall. What is the best manure to use? Do you have any other tips?
Answer: The hottest of all manures is poultry manure, but any manure will work just fine as long as it is fresh. Hot beds get their heat from fresh manure decomposing. You can also build a hot bed by installing a heating cable under chicken wire in the bottom of the frame.
Be sure you pay attention to venting the hot bed during the day. A lot of heat can build up quickly and you don't want to cook the plants. Otherwise, just use the same principles as you would for a cold frame. Watch your moisture levels, cover the frame on the coldest nights with a blanket, bags of leaves or straw to keep in the heat. Keep a thermometer inside to keep an eye on things. And be sure to harden your plants before putting them out in the garden. |