Expert: Laura Walker - 2/13/2006

Question
How likely am I going to succeed at growing (and blooming) bulbs like tulips and stargazer lillies in Largo, Florida?  Do you have any recomendations as to what is best to grow for flowering plants?  I'm originally from New England and have found my green thumb has turned awfully brown here!

Thanks, in advance!
Chel


Answer
Chel,
The only way to have spring blooming bulbs in your climate is to "force" them.That means you will have to chill them first in refridgerator for about 6 to 8 weeks. Take them out in the beginning of spring,which in your area would probably be now to first of March. They MUST have a cold period before they will bloom. There are exceptions though;Paperwhites(a form of Narcisscus)do not need a cold period. Amaryllis,sometimes called the Tulip of the south also does not need a cold period. I am giving you sites to vist on the internet for more info.
I envy you for your warm climate but I could never go through a spring without my beloved spring bulbs!
The lillies I am not sure about even though I have dozens of them. I always plant them in fall or spring.
Go to:

www.vandycks.com,
www.vanbourgondien.com
www.mzbulb.com (aka
McClure&Zimmerman,
www.dutchgardens.com.,
Jackson&Perkins,
Wayside Gardens,
White Flower Farm,
ColorBlends Tulips
Also visit www.google.com and type in a direct search "forcing bulbs".You will come up with thousands of links.
Good luck to you in all your gardening endeavors!