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I'e got a beautiful bulb this year but - It only got two big stalks full of flowers -- absolutely no leaves. I suppose I should just start fertilizing it and keeping it for next year. I should get leaves right? I pulled my bulbs in the beginning of Sept. from outside and let them in a brown bag for 2 months and then planted and put it my window. I live in central Wisconsin and I think the days got to short and to cool in my sunroom. Finally - now they are starting to bloom. A bit late. Do you think I should pull them earlier or not let them dormant for so long or put them under close lights to get them going? I would like blooms around Christmas. Thanks for any advise for next year. I have about 9 great bulbs.
I think heat might get them going a bit faster, and you might change the timing next year -- pull them sooner, maybe keep them dormant for a shorter time (or not at all -- just pot them up and let them bloom when they want). With 9 bulbs, you could try a couple of different things and probably get blooms over a nice long period.
I think you'll start seeing leaves soon. For now, continue keeping the soil moist but not overly wet... if the bulb isn't actively growing, it won't be taking up much water, and you don't want it to be soggy. I wouldn't start fertilizing until leaves appear, although it probably won't hurt, especially if you dilute your fertilizer to half or quarter strength.
I was really late in getting some of my bulbs potted up this year, but I'm enjoying their watching them put up buds and blooms now!
