AboutLong 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.
Expert: Long Island Gardener Date: 6/17/2008 Subject: forcing tulip bulbs in summer
Question I would like to make tulip centerpieces for a baby shower in August. I live on Long Island (zone 5). I am wondering IF I can force these bulbs successfully and if so, how long will it take me?
Answer One thing about Americans, and especially New Yorkers, is that we never, never take NO for an answer.
If someone says It can't be done, We try it anyway.
And I know you are not going to give up this easy, Amie. You have a great idea there. If only it was possible, it would be wonderful.
But Amie, it can't be done.
Not in pots, at least.
Get the Tulips delivered. Now, THAT's possible. Because somewhere in the Southern hemisphere, it is very cold, and they are forcing these things all over to send up North. Here.
Go to a wholesaler and get them cheap. But even if you were to go to the trouble to obtain un-bloomed Tulip bulbs from the Southern Hemisphere, the forcing action up here in August heat would almost certainly yield BLIND Tulip stems. In other words, there would be no Tulip at the end. Just disappointment. And a large bill. Heat (anything over 70-75 degrees) KILLS Bulbs.
Like I said, it sounds like a terrific concept. But it is quite problematic to force Tulips in August. You'd have more luck flying the wedding party elsewhere. Thanks for writing.
