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Bulbs/calla bulbs

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Expert: Long Island Gardener - 10/30/2007


Question
I accidentally cut a calla lily bulb in half when digging them.  It has some small ones on the sides.  Should I keep the piece and plant next year to see if the little ones will grow?  How long should I dry the bulbs before storing?

Answer
Best thing is to dust the cut with sulfur to protect against Fungus, and re-plant in a very light mixture (at least half sharp sand).  There may be a season or two without blooms, but it has a good chance at surviving.  Plant the bulblets if you see them for future specimens.

Bulbs should be good and dry before storage.  You can tell from holding them.  You don't want moisture -- add darkness and warmth and you've got the perfect incubator for an ugly Fungus.  Dry them until moisture is as gone as it's going to be, then put them to bed.

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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