Expert: Long Island Gardener - 3/15/2008

Question
You probably get tired of this question, but- my husband and son gave me several beautiful blooming bulb plants for Valentines.  One was a miniature daffodil; one was a hyacinth; the other, the most gorgeous, a day lilly.  I have kept them watered and in sunlight (indoors), but they are drying up, losing petals/leaves.  I realize these plants were "forced", but how can I keep them from dying, and is it possible to transplant these into my yard successfully when it warms up?  I hate to think they paid such money for only a week of beauty.  Thanks in advance.

Answer
Your Bulbs most definitely stand a good chance of surviving in your Garden.  If you are living in a region where you have 'real' Winters, they will get the long chill they need to develop properly.  Otherwise, there's nothing else to worry about.

Care today would include removing asap all spent blooms (to avoid the seed-making) AND big doses of Sunlight so they can make next year's Bulbs without overexercise.

They should also be growing in Soil, well draining.

They get thru Summers if there is minimal watering, which tends to rot them while they are dormant.

I have a few Hyacinths in my own yard that have been there for at least 10 years.  Daffodils, ditto.  Lilies, ditto.  No need to trash these whatsoever.

Thank you.