​

​

 

Narcissus  – Choose Well and Plant Now

​

October is a good opportunity to select and plant daffodil bulbs if you haven't already done so. Ideally, narcissi are planted in September, but planting healthy bulbs promptly now gives them the opportunity to establish roots before winter.

For those hoping to exhibit, choose named varieties with strong stems, good flower shape and attractive colouring.

The Spring Show includes classes for trumpet, large-cupped, small-cupped, double and miniature daffodils, as well as vases containing three or five stems.

Consider growing several different divisions. This gives you more opportunities to enter the show, although flowering time will depend on the variety and spring weather.

Plant bulbs in well-drained soil, generally at a depth of around three times the bulb's height. Choose a position with good light and avoid waterlogged ground. Please also note that Daffodils are Narcissus.

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tulips – Buy Now, but Wait Until November to Plant

​

Tulips are another wonderful choice for our Spring Show. Their extraordinary range of colours and flower forms makes them especially rewarding to grow and exhibit.

Buy your bulbs now while the best selection of varieties is available, but aim to plant them during November.

This later planting period is recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society and is traditionally advised to help reduce the risk of tulip fire (Botrytis tulipae), a damaging fungal disease.

Tulip fire can cause brown spotting, twisted leaves, distorted flowers and grey mould. Inspect bulbs carefully before planting, discard any showing decay, and avoid ground previously affected by the disease.

Tulips are also susceptible to viruses, including Tulip breaking virus, which can cause unusual streaking in petals and mottling of leaves. These are separate problems from tulip fire.

For exhibitors, consider growing single-flowered varieties alongside double, lily-flowered, fringed or parrot tulips. These provide different possibilities for the Society's show classes.

​

​

​

​

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​​​​​​​​​Growing for Exhibition

​

Producing a beautiful flower is only part of entering a show. Presentation also matters.

Choose healthy, well-formed blooms, protect stems and foliage from damage, and cut flowers when they are at their best.

Make sure you follow the schedule carefully. Some classes require a single stem, others three stems, and some specify a particular daffodil division or tulip variety.

Use clean vases with fresh water and ensure the stems reach the water. Where possible, identify each plant by its variety name.

​

​

Why not have a Go?

​

​

There is considerable satisfaction in growing a flower from a bulb planted in autumn, watching it develop throughout winter and finally displaying it at the Spring Show.

Even if you have never entered before, we encourage you to participate. Our Society is here to share horticultural knowledge, encourage gardening and bring people together through a common enjoyment of plants.

Choose your bulbs this autumn, give them a good start and who knows – you might be taking home a prize next spring!

Ingatestone & Fryerning Horticultural Society

Celebrating gardens, growers and our local community.