Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 4/9/2004

Question
Please help !
I live in the northwest part of Indiana and I received some "exotica bulbs" from my aunt.
I have no idea how to plant them, sun amount, water, etc... Any help would be great!

Thanx
Tammy

Answer
To my knowledge there is no bulb named "exotica", but sometimes growers give new varities names, such as ismene "exotica", e.g. ismene is name of the bulb and 'exotica' is the varity. a varity is typically created as result of growers trying to cross (mary) different colors and shapes of bulbs and sometimes they make a new varity. If it is nice, they will sell it.

I mention ismene bulbs (peruvian daffodils) because I know there is a varity called "exotica". I have a picture of peruvian daffodil bulbs here:
http://classes.aces.uiuc.edu/NRES103/3473-38.jpg

Maybe you can compare to your bulbs and see if they look alike.

Plant 12" apart in a sunny location (or one to an 8" pot) just below the surface of the soil. mulch.

Water copiously (do not let dry out) and feed regularly with complete fertilizer during period of active growth.

Since the stem is rather weak, it help to put it in a shelted space or stake it as it grows.

It is a tropical bulb and should not be planted outdoors until after last chance of frost. before first frost, dig and store dry at temperatures between 60 and 70 deg F for the winter.