Cultivation of Bulbs

Abstract

DURING recent years, bulbs have become a field crop of considerable importance, especially in the Soilly Isles, Cornwall, and Lincolnshire, and growers, or intending growers, will welcome the illustrated bulletin No. 44, entitled “Narcissi Culture”, recently issued by the Ministry of Agriculture (H.M. Stationery Office, 9d.). Although bulbs grow well on a number of soils, good drainage and cultivation are essential, but the direct application of fresh manure should be avoided. Potatoes which have been adequately manured leave the soil in excellent condition for bulbs. Among some of the more important questions upon which advice is given are those relating to grading, lifting, storage, and planting. Eelworm has become a serious menace to the bulb-grower, and sterilisation by means of hot water (three hours' immersion at 110° F.) is strongly advocated, the treatment being given when the bulbs are in as dormant a condition as possible, or injury may result. As regards flowers, while good grading, bunching, and packing are essential, the importance of making the flowers look attractive by means of details such as packing-paper should not be overlooked. Although this trade in narcissus flowers has increased so enormously, the allied bulb-growing industry could become one of even greater financial importance, for the sum spent annually on imported bulbs amounts to nearly £1,500,000.