Crocus Question

I forced about 50 crocus bulbs (unknown type) by putting them in sand and gravel in a wide dish and keeping that in the vegetable drawer of my refrigerator for 12 weeks, occasionally adding some water.

The resulting multi~color display was fantastic (I'm kicking myself that I somehow managed to lose the roll of film). The foliage was lush.

From time to time, when watering, I added a drop or two (literally) of my home made hydroponic nutrient.

Now, the show is over. I've removed the bulbs from the medium. They're firm and white and covered with mini~bulblettes (I don't know the technical word).

When can I put these out in my garden? It's not quite Spring and usually crocus is planted in Autumn. Can I store them? If yes, how?

Thanks for your ideas.

Adam.

This message was edited Sunday, Mar 16th 7:21 PM

Adam, what condition is the foliage in? Normally, it will need to turn brown on the bulb before removing it, to ensure blooms the next year. Often, forcing bulbs as you did will deplete them of so much energy, they are not going to give much of a show the following year. However, you have nothing to lose by planting them outdoors, I would suggest as soon as possible. I think crocus have corms, so the bulbils are cormels... The cormels should provide flowers in a year or two. Thanks for sharing a good technique! John

The foliage has pretty much died back. There are extensive live roots.

They've been feasting on occassional doses of hydroponic nutrient, which at 1/2 teaspoon to the gallon grows a few hundred cherry tomatoes. I doubt they're totally depleated.

Thanks for your advice. I'll see to the planting tomorrow morning.

Adam.



This message was edited Sunday, Mar 16th 9:57 PM

Adam, that's good news that the foliage has died back. Good luck with them, wish you could find the film.

Now, about this hydroponic nutrient... that is a subject totally new to me. Have you tried this on many plants? What about Brugs? Where do I buy some???

John is always one step ahead of me, I was thinking the same thing while reading.

Great minds think alike, tiG...