bulb experiment 2009

[gote]

I agree with Franz
Göte

[David Shaw]

We could grow two bulbs each, one in a pot and one in the open. Those who just grow 'in the open' would plant both bulbs outside. Am I starting to get a bit too involved now?

[mark smyth]

two bulbs each! I was thinking at least 5

[Martin Baxendale]

I think David's right - it'd be best to grow some of the bulbs under glass and some in a sunny spot in the garden, to get results for both methods of growing, since most alpine gardeners and bulb growers use both methods of cultivation. The under-glass bulbs would also give an interesting 'control' to compare with the outdoor bulbs, since the conditions under glass would be most homogenous across the different growers (assuming everyone uses a fairly similar free-draining compost and doesn't over-water or under-water).

[tonyg]

Count me in too - it will be an interesting bit of fun.  I think we have to agree a fairly precise compost mix.  This year I am using grit from a new source, very sharp and coarser than usual, it drains and dries much quicker than the one I have used for the last few years.  This would have a considerable impact on such an experiment.  (One watering in September uner glass would not suffice!) 

Mark - I think the flowering might move southward - temperature plays its part in the process. .....Aaah so this means we could choose monitor that aspect of growing conditions too!

[Paddy Tobin]

Sounds a very interesting project; also a good common interest for us on the forum. Well done, Mark, a good idea there.


(I bet mine will flower first! Place your bets now - we could run a book on it!)

Paddy

[mark smyth]

first to flower pays for the bulbs!

If we also plants some spring flowering bulbs eg Muscari we could continue the experiment

[David Nicholson]

It's a good project. Why not try to get one of the bulb companies, who regularly get free publicity on the Forum, to sponsor the project by donating the bulbs?

[mark smyth]

Already done but the supplier will be, hopefully, Jan Pennings. He is the man who the growers bring their bulbs to before they are sent out to various bulb companies according to Brian Duncan

[loes]

nice experiment!could be fun to read all your findings.is there a prize for the winner?(joke).
I do not dare to part on this trial,I am not an expert with crocus. 

[ChrisB]

I'd love to join in here, Mark, but do you need experts doing this, or can novices take part?  I know very little about colchicums, never grown them....

[mark smyth]

Who's an expert anyway? It's open to all

[ian mcenery]

Sounds like a bit of fun and we might all learn something so count me in

[Joakim B]

If the thing is open for growers in "the open" I would be interested to see how they would do in Portugal. Extra funny if I compare with some planted in Sweden as an alternative to have under glass. Are they going to be in pots or in the ground? If it is the latter there will be even more variations to take into consideration.
A very nice idea. 
Joakim

[loes]

well,you convinced me,I`d be happy to join in.