I am sure by this time everyone is exhausted from the holidays, planning get-togethers and trying to find just the right gifts for our family and friends.
So, with my shopping done, I took myself on a trip to one of my favorite places. I knew that the Armstrong Garden Centers location in Carlsbad would be just the place to treat myself to a Christmas gift.
Not only did I find exactly what I wanted to decorate my living room, but I had the chance to learn more about one of my favorite winter indoor gardening activity — growing indoor bulbs.
Cecilia, one of the Armstrong horticultural staff, directed me to their bulb department, and we found a selection of these winter wonders, many of which were on sale. She clued me in, “This is the end-of-season bonanza! You can certainly get some good deals in the next few weeks.”
Armstrong is at 5702 Paseo Del Norte in Carlsbad, phone (760) 804-7330.
A GOOD TIME TO SHOP FOR BARGAINS
I was able to find one of the last amaryllis bulbs, which is just about to bloom. Many of the big box stores and florists will still have bulbs that have not bloomed in the next few weeks, so hurry out to find the New Year’s deals.
CARING FOR YOUR AMARYLLIS
- To plant a bulb that has not bloomed – Find an attractive stoneware pot, approximately 8 inches wide, and add soil to fill the bottom of the pot.
- Place the bulb on top of the soil, and fill in around the pot, with half of the bulb still exposed.
- Water around the edge of the bulb, and place in a bright window.
- As the plant starts to grow, rotate every few days so it doesn’t lean in one direction.
- When the plant starts to bloom, allow it to grow until all the flowers are done.
- Once the flowers are finished trim only the bloom, leaving the stem intact. Keep the bulb in the pot with soil.
- When the outdoor temperature is above 50 degrees, place the bulb in a sunny place, water weekly. Leave outdoors throughout spring and summer.
- After summer has passed return the bulb indoors, trim off all the foliage, and place in a dark, cool place for at least six weeks.
- When the cooling period is done, place in a sunny window and water.
- Foliage will once again appear, and within a month the flowers will bloom once again.
- Although the process may seem time-consuming, the sight of the beautiful red or white bulbs makes your work worthwhile.
PLANT A FULL ASSORTMENT OF BULBS INDOORS
At this time of year, most garden centers will have bulbs that might still be in bags from the fall season, and will be on sale. Look carefully for crocus, hyacinth and narcissus, all of which can be planted in the following manner.
Use a wide decorative bowl or terra cotta pot measuring at least 6-9 inches in diameter, and be certain the pots have holes in the bottom. The process can be done with clean small pebbles or lightweight soil.
1.Choose 3-5 bulbs that will fit into the deep decorative bowl or terra cotta pot.
2. Fill the bowl with clean small pebbles to within 2 inches of the rim, or use lightweight soil.
3. Gently push the bulbs into the pebbles or soil so that they rest with half of each bulb exposed.
4. Add water so that it barely touches the bulbs.
5. Place in a cool, dark place such as a cool garage.
6. Keep the bulbs in the garage for at least one week, until sprouts appear.
7. Once sprouts appear, place in a room with partial sun.
8. As bulbs begin to grow, turn each day so as not to become leggy. Water only when the water has evaporated. Tree branches or chopsticks can be added to provide support.
9. Once flowers have stopped blooming, trim and allow to dry out for at least one week. Chances are they won’t bloom indoors again, but you can dig a hole outdoors and allow them to rest during the spring and summer months. Who knows, they might just bloom again in the fall!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY GARDENING
We hope you have enjoyed the column during the past year. Many thanks to our editors Jordan Ingram and Steve Lewis, who have made my job so enjoyable. Please send us your gardening ideas or community garden projects at [email protected]
Jano Nightingale is a Master Gardener and horticulturist and teaches vegetable gardening at the Pine Street Community Garden. Contact her for future classes at [email protected].
