View from the kitchen

My kitchen window opens out on the adjoining greenhouse. I would like to fill the view with bright flowers. It gets very hot in there! What flowers will be able to survive? Is there anything I can plant in pots now to look nice for my mother in laws 90th party in 3 weeks time? It would also be nice to grow things that I can cut to put into vases. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

Well three weeks will be not enough to grow anything
So fill it with cut spring flowers, Daffs, Tulips. etc leave the door and the venitlators open

Then, when you are ready you could specialise in Crystanthemums

Jack McHammocklashing

 

Jacks right - three weeks is too short a time (unless you have a few prepped Amarylis stored somewhere).

However, for the rest of the season (if ornamentals is deffo what you want to do) the world is your oyster! Stuff Crystanthemums (sorry Jack) - exotic bulbs is where you need to be heading. Here goes..........

[1] Hymenocallis festalis.............

Don't mess about with bulbs from garden centres etc as they're too small - seek out large bulbs (80mm or so) on-line.

[2] Scadoxus multiflorus..............

You need to be careful to keep the pot just moist (not damp, and certainly not wet) after planting until it bursts into growth. It would benefit from some shade too.

[3] Polyanthese tuberosus..................

This is the double form "The Pearl". Super fragrant and produces tons of offsets.
The single form...............


[4] Bessera elegans................

Grows outdoors, but I've a feeling that it'll take off under glass!

[5] Eucharis amazonica..............

I've not grown this yet (the photo was taken at Oxfords botanic gardens), but pretty freely available online. Very fragrant!

[6] Gloriosa superba.................

This is a tuberous climber that will love the greenhouse. Very easy to grow.

The advantage of these are that you can move them into the house (except the Gloriosa) when in bloom if you want to.
For the winter, all they need is to be frost free and dry.
Remember, whatever you do choose to grow pest control is vital. The first step is to ensure good levels of humidity.