Bulb Log 2021

[Tristan_He]

Great issue Ian. One of the best things about the forum is exchange of this kind of useful advice from fellow growers.

As a question - can anyone recommend good sources of bulb seed? The seed exchanges are ok but quantities are often on the small side. Many bulb clones in cultivation seem to be sterile or self-incompatible, so sourcing enough seed to sow a good potful can be tricky.

[Ian Y]

Great issue Ian. One of the best things about the forum is exchange of this kind of useful advice from fellow growers.

As a question - can anyone recommend good sources of bulb seed? The seed exchanges are ok but quantities are often on the small side. Many bulb clones in cultivation seem to be sterile or self-incompatible, so sourcing enough seed to sow a good potful can be tricky.

We were fortunate to live through a time when there were many great seed collectors and it was easier to obtain permits to collect and import seed but that has all changed and I don't know of any good source.

Seed exchanges are of course a great source but as you state you only get small quantities however if in time when you get them to flower then you have access to your own seed which I know does not help widen the range of bulbs you grow but it helps maintain what we have in cultivation into the future. 

[Tristan_He]

Yeah... it's definitely not as easy although there still are a few. As bulb seeds are rather large on the whole, many suppliers tend to provide them in relatively small quantities. If I start with say 10 seeds, it's likely to take 2 generations (=6 years at least usually) to get a good number of bulbs to make a really good impact.

I do try to obtain seed where I can, and source bulbs from different suppliers to increase genetic diversity, cross pollinating and harvesting the subsequent seed. Obviously starting from 2-3 bulbs (provided you know they are seed raised not a clone) is much quicker, but genetic diversity of the resulting seed will be lower.

[Ian Y]

In this Bulb Log Summer turns to Autumn, the effects of drought, propagating Corydalis, and ever changing habitats.


https://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2021Aug251629883533BULB_LOG_3421.pdf

[Yann]

I really appreciate your carnivorous island, the result is great.

[Ian Y]

Regular readers will know that 1st September is the start of my bulb year so click the link below for my guide to managing the sand beds plus a review of a year.


https://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2021Sep011630483681BULB_LOG_3521.pdf

[Ian Y]

Click the Bulb Log link where Autumn tasks, flowers, wildlife and nature merge into one.


https://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2021Sep081631095821BULB_LOG_3621.pdf

[Ian Y]

More autumn flowering bulbs appear and at last some decent rain brings relief to the garden plants.


https://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2021Sep151631699652BULB_LOG_3721.pdf

[Robert]

Hello Ian,

The following information about Veratrum fimbriatum as the species grows in the wild might prove helpful for those that might be interested in growing this species.

Veratrum fimbriatum is native to the NW coast of California, predominantly in Mendocino County, California. The species is generally found growing within a few kilometers of the Pacific Ocean. Although there is little, to no, rainfall in this region during the summer, this species always is found in the summer fog belt of the California coast. A consistent onshore flow brings overcast skies (fog/low stratus) and abundant condensation that create very moist conditions in many coastal habitats. In addition, Veratrum fimbriatum is a wetland species. It is found growing in hydric to very moist mesic habitats. Drought and dry conditions is not an issue in these habitats. Lastly, hot weather is very rare in these coastal habitats. During the autumn there can be a few days of offshore flow when temperatures can warm, rarely above 90 F (32.2 C). During the summer months daytime high temperatures are generally in the 60 F (15.6 C) range.

Veratrum fimbriatum is considered a rare species (California Rare Plant Rank 4.3 limited distribution, not very threatened in California). Only domestically produced plants and seed should be used for horticultural purposes!

[Ian Y]

Thanks for the detailed information on the habitat and local climate where Veratrum fimbriatum grows Robert, most years our weather is close enough with constant moisture and no high temperatures to keep the plants happy it is just this year that has been so dry.

[Ian Y]

The autumn flowering Cyclamen, Colchicum and Crocus feature this week plus a new book on Cyclamen and a  link to the latest Bulb Log Video Diary Supplement just a click away...


https://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2021Sep221632304143BULB_LOG_3821.pdf

[Ian Y]

Click the Bulb Log link for an appreciation of the Autumn flowering Crocus.


https://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2021Sep291632909919BULB_LOG_3921.pdf

[Ian Y]

October storms, autumn fruits, falling leaves and more flowering bulbs all in this week's Bulb Log.


https://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2021Oct061633516551BULB_LOG_4021.pdf

[Carolyn]

Lovely dark-stemmed colchicum!

Ian, you are SO right about the benefits of leaf mould and the fact that most folk don’t make any. Our neighbour was about to light a huge bonfire of leaves one autumn until I intervened. Now they throw the leaves over the wall into our garden and I add them to our leaf container.

[Tristan_He]

Ian, that's a spectacular dark tubed Colchicum. Maybe worth giving the Craigton name to?

Love your displays of autumn crocuses at the moment, I'm very jealous. We usually get very wet and windy weather at this time of year which results in flowers outdoor lasting about the same time as the average mayfly...