Scaling Bulbs

Question 1

Scaling for what type of bulbs.

Answer 1

Tunicate bulbs - where the leaf that makes up the bulb goes around the whole bulb like a tunic eg. Onion. There is a system of ‘twin scaling’ though there may be 3 or 4 scale pieces.

Question 2

Basis of system.

Answer 2

In axil of a leaf there is a bud. These bulbs have the capacity to generate a bud even when it is not obviously present.

Question 3

Scaling of Bulbs.

Method

Answer 3

Well cleaned bulbs are divided into 8 to 10 vertical sections, each containing a part of the basal plate.

These sections are then sub divided into segments with three or four scale pieces, not less than two.

Sections are planted vertically into prepared, moist medium eg. 50/50 compost /vermiculite with just tips showing or placed in plastic bag in similar moist medium.

Keep at 21 c for 3-8 weeks. Bulblets are generated by the stem section at base of the scale piece and grown on in nursery zone until they reach flowering size.

Question 4

Propagating lilies.

Eg. Lilium longiflorum

Answer 4

Naturally scaly bulbs.
Fleshy scale leaves may be broken up easily in November.
Treat as Narcissus twin scales.
After spring and summer in nursery situation larger bulbs (15mm plus) may flower in the following year.