BRILLIANT TULIPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 June 1938, Page 5

BRILLIANT TULIPS

PLANTING HINT. An unduly prolonged’resting period is not appreciated by the majority of bulbous plants. In this respect the tulips are more accommodating. At the same time, there-is no necessity to delay the planting of bulbs unduly. There is little fear now of their making any precocious foliage growth which might be nipped by winter frost. It will be wise to give the bulbs a chance of establishing themselves while the soil is still warm. It is always urged that bulbous plants of any description should never be allowed to come into contact with any fresh, rank animal manure. At the same time it would be useless to expect flowers of good quality if the bulbs are planted in poor, starving land. Unlimited masses of rich nitrogenous manure are not calculated to encourage growth of the stoutest nature, but the plants must have at least a moderately rich diet. The future health of the bulb is the chief point which induces authorities to advise that the bulbs should not run any danger of contact with manure, and with the late flowering varieties this is even of greater importance. If old manure is used, so long as it is placed 12 inches deep, it should do no harm. Bonemeal is one of the best and safest of manures for tulips; basic slag is also good and can be scattered over the surface previous to planting at the rate of two ounces per square yard and forked in.