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Aunt Jenny's News

Quarterly Issue #4 December 2009

Winterr 2009

In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs Mon. Dec. 21, 2009. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. If you live in an area where it snows you can enjoy building snowmen, sledding, skiing, ice fishing and even ice skating.

Although it's not the perfect time for planting outdoors unless you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse but you can plan on growing bulbs indoors. Bulbs such as amaryllis or narcissus ‘Paper Whites’ and even tulips can be grown in water or containers inside adding a little color during these colder months. Be sure to Read my article on “How to grow indoor Bulbs” found in this newsletter.

Here are some special holidays that occur during the winter months:

Christmas Day: December 25
New Year's Day: January 1
MLK Birthday: January 19
Groundhog Day: February 02
Lincoln Birthday: February 12
Valentine‘s Day: February 14
President's Day: February 16
Mardi Gras: February 24
Ash Wednesday: February 25
St. Patrick's Day: March 17

Have a wonderful winter season! :)

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HOW TO GROW BULBS INDOORS

INDOOR FLOWERING BULBS

AMARYLLIS
The bulbs should be planted in pots that are at least 5cm wider than the diameter of the bulb.
Almost any planting medium will do as long as it allows good drainage.
Place the pot in a light and warm (20-25oC/65-75oF) situation.
Water moderately during the early stages as the roots become established.
When growth has clearly begun, more water can be added.
Flowers usually appear within 6-10 weeks of planting.
Turn the pot regularly to promote balanced growth.
If you wish your bulb to flower the following year, cut off the stem after bloom has finished at 5cm above the bulb.
Continue to water and feed with a standard houseplant fertilizer.
By September stop watering to allow the bulb to dry off and cure for at least 8 weeks.
Late October cut off any foliage that is still present on the bulb and place pots in a cool spot.
Two months before flowers are desired start watering again and repeat last years treatment.
Repot bulbs only when necessary, disturbing the roots as little as possible.

NARCISSUS 'Paper Whites'
Fill your planter with potting soil (pebbles or rocks can also be used) up to 5cm below the rim.
Place the bulbs on top 3-5cm apart and fill balance of space with more soil. Planted this way the bulbs show their tips just above the soil level.
Water well but avoid soaking.
Ideally bulbs should be kept in a somewhat cool (10oC/50oF) place during the early stages of growth. Cool temperatures stimulate root growth which is important for good results.
When the bulbs are firmly rooted and growth begins to show, move them into a warmer location with plenty of light.
If cool temperatures are not easily created in your situation, the planter can be brought directly into the living quarters.
Keep it away from the hot radiator as excessive heat is liable to cause failure.
Approximate blooming time is 5-6 weeks from planting. Flowering can be scheduled by planting the bulbs as intervals.
Unplanted bulbs are best stored in a cool but frost-free place.

TULIPS
Generally shorter-growing tulip varieties are the easiest to force indoors.
Select large, firm bulbs.
Store them in a cool place until you're ready to force them.
You can start forcing tulips in October for blooms by Christmas, Later for blooms by midwinter.
Tulips need at least 12-16 weeks to bloom if started in September.
Tulips need only 8 to 10 weeks if started in December.
Tulips grow best in clay pots.
Shallower pots for shorter tulip varieties, Deeper pot for taller tulip varieties.
Pots must have drainage holes in the bottom.
Partially fill the pot with moistened potting mix..
Plant as many bulbs as can fit in the pot without touching.
Place the bulbs root end down so their tops sit just below the rim of the pot.
Cover them with enough soil so that only the bulb noses are showing.
Water well.