Hyacinth Bulbs

[dawahar]

After years of bulbs flowering too early or too late for school competition, this is our last chance and would like to get it right just for once. Can anyone advise at what stage the bulbs should be as we get nearer to the time for showing. appreciate any help thanks

[rosyrussell]

Difficult to answer as you have not said when the competition is, but for what its worth: buy specially treated, pre-chilled bulbs first of all. They have been 'primed' to start growing as soon as you buy them. store them in cool damp sand until you are ready to force them. They will flower in approximately 6 weeks after you start the growing process. Your best bet (as this is not an exact science!) is to grow several batches over a 2 week period and choose the best from these for the competition. Pot them up and leave in a coolish dark place for a couple of weeks. Bring them in to a warm lighter place for the next three and a half weeks, then bring them to a warm sunny spot for the last four or five days. Good luck!