fritillaria imperialis maxima bulbs?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by mazambo, Aug 13, 2019.

  1. mazambo

    mazambo Forever Learning

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    Hi everyone I'm thinking of pre ordering some fritillaria imperialis maxima bulbs but I'm just wondering if you get a better price now or it's better to wait until they are readily available? Thanks.
     
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    • ARMANDII

      ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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      Hi Mazambo, well, to be honest, I would wait for fresh bulbs to become in available in September, that is if you are buying them as bulbs........and them plant them asap. I have to admit I bought my five Imperials in 3 litre pots, while with my Wife, browsing in the Wednesday market at Market Drayton in the 90's.........and they're still going strong:love30: I took the Plant Nursery man's advice at the Stall, which was to plant them deep in my sandy soil and I did so by planting them around 18 inches deep..........and they paid me back really well. I have to say though, that after I put them on the back seat of the Jeep and drove back home my Wife and I kept looking at each other asking the question without speaking as you do in those circumstances......"Is that you", before after several miles we both realised that it was the Imperials that were responsible for the "Odour":dunno::nonofinger::heehee:
       
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      • mazambo

        mazambo Forever Learning

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        Thanks @ARMANDII I'll hang on until September.!
         
      • ARMANDII

        ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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        You're more than welcome, Mazambo, my friend:love30::thumbsup::)
         
      • mazambo

        mazambo Forever Learning

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        There is a seller on eBay now selling fresh bulbs sized 20/24 (fenflora) with 100% feedback, I won't be able to plant in the ground for next year so I'll be using a pot for now, I've worked out I'll need a 50 litre pot to plant 15" deep (which I have) has anyone an idea how many bulbs to put in? I ask because I was reading an article today by Kath Dryden "at a meeting of the Fritillaria Group held at RHS Gardens, Wisley on 1st October 2000" where she stated "the majority seem to grow better when fairly crowded in the pot" but I don't want to over do it.
         
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        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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          I tend to think pot growing is a bit different to planting in the ground for long term.
          Main reason they dont like me these days is they get eaten underground by slugs, but I did grow them quite well for a few years.

          I dont think you need to be that deep, I've seen individual bulbs in flower, for sale and the bulb is pretty near the surface, so if you intend growing in containers for one year before replanting I doubt you will need to be quite so deep.

          I have no idea how many you will need for a pot that size, a 50 litre pot is a mystery to me:biggrin:, I'm afraid.
           
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          • mazambo

            mazambo Forever Learning

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            Thanks for that @pete I've been scratching around the net for ages today, I'm using this as a yardstick at the moment How To Grow And Care For Fritillaria | Bakker.Com
            just nice when someone has "been there done that" and can give you the t shirt:heehee: with a pot that size would be nice to mix rubra and litre.
             
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            • pete

              pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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              Planting on their sides has always been the advice I remember, and surrounded by sharp grit to deter slugs.
              I'll probably have another go again this year, but the bulbs just disappear in my garden these days.
               
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              • mazambo

                mazambo Forever Learning

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                Have you tried them in pots :loll:
                 
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                • pete

                  pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                  Last time I tried they started to flower well, then just fizzled out, got a couple in the garden that just put up leaves these days.
                   
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                  • mazambo

                    mazambo Forever Learning

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                    I've ordered 3 x Rubra and 3 x Lutea they have been dispatched today and should be with me in 2-3 days, i have read that they should be put on "hydro pellets" ? Are they clay pebbles?
                     
                  • ARMANDII

                    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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                    Hi mazambo, to be honest, if you plant them deep and on their side that should be more than enough. In my, humble, opinion buying "hydro pellets" will only lighten your wallet rather than guaranteeing great growth and success:dunno::heehee:
                     
                  • mazambo

                    mazambo Forever Learning

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                    Thanks once again @ARMANDII will take your advice.
                     
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                    • Perki

                      Perki Total Gardener

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                      I grown a few of the giant fritillaria , I planted them deep first time ( at least foot down ) and didn't get any flowers , I think I lost 1-2 so got some more and planted them about 6-8 inch down got a few flowers 2 or 3 out of 5 but still not impressed , I had a monster one this year though about 4-5ft tall with a stem as thick as a broom handle.

                      Tried the Persica black and white this year planted quite swallow about 4-6 inch flowers didn't really form :noidea: starting to think I shouldn't bother with them . And then theres lily beetle :wallbanging:

                      I heard that the bulbs will right them self's back upwards in time if planted on their side .

                      I think I may have some pictures from harlow carr with Crown imperial fritillaria in , I put a picture up if you like @mazambo ?
                       
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                        Last edited: Aug 15, 2019
                      • mazambo

                        mazambo Forever Learning

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                        A picture would be good @Perki, I understand what you're saying, just one of those things I want to try, Nothing ventured nothing gained as they say.
                         
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