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Bulbs/New England January Bulb Sprouting!!!!

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Expert: Long Island Gardener - 2/5/2008


Question
I live in Boston and planted tulip bulbs along my front fence late this fall.  I
noticed that a lot of them are now sprouting and it is only Feb. 4th with a lot of
New England winter to go.  What should I do?

Answer
Without proper chilling (12 to 15 weeks below 45 degrees F), most Tulips will not bloom.  That 3-month quota of cold has come in Boston, and as usual, the spring Bulbs will probably begin emerging, early.  Again.

First, if they do, remember that Tulips do cope nicely with cold temperatures -- it's the heat that does them in.  If it gets terribly cold in coming weeks, consider mulching them with a few layers of dried, dead Leaves to insulate them from the low, low temps.  Do not water except when bone dry.  Not a big problem.

Bulbs

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.

Experience

Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.

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