FACTS ABOUT TULIPS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 892, 8 February 1930, Page 28

FACTS ABOUT TULIPS

Why do tulips sometimes produce several flowers on one stem?—This is not so uncommon a “freak of Nature” as one might suppose. Many varieties of tulips, but notably the more vigorous sorts, such as some belonging to the Darwin, Breeder and other late-flowering sections, are addicted to this habit W’hen the bulbs are extra vigorous and the soil is rich. It is really due to a phenomena called fasciation; two or more distinct flower stems become united in the early stages of growth, and each produces its flowers. Some years ago a so-called branching tulip was boomed, but the bulbs could not be relied upon to produce more than a very low percentage of multiflowered stems. k Why do tulips sometimes come ’blind?”—Because something has interfered with the development of the flower. It may be that a “check”

has occurred during the early stages of growth, not sufficiently severe as to prejudice the life of the bulb, but serious enough to affect the flower, which is the most susceptible part. When is a bulb of flowering size? —This varies with different sorts of bulbs, as well as with different varieties of the same sort. Bulbs of Clara Butt Tulip, for instance, often bloom the first year. Some hyacinths produce small spikes of bloom the second year. But, generally speaking, tulips do not bloom well until the third y-ear, and hyacinths are usually four or five years old before they produce good effects of bloom. Why is early planting recommended? —Because it ensures the best results, by enabling the bulbs to become well rooted into the soil before winter sets in, in the case of outdoor bulbs, or before the bulbs are started into growth, in the case of bulbs in pots, bowls, etc. Why should bulbs be kept in a cool place after planting?—Because warmth incites the bulbs into premature growth of leaves and flowers, whereas roots are produced naturally during quite cold weather. From the moment they are planted, the formation of roots begins, and does not cease until both flowers and foliage are fully developed.