Bulbs from van Engelen

15 years ago

Just wanted to let everybody know how pleased I am with my first experience with van Engelen's products and service. I ordered from them Friday afternoon (phone) and was told they would ship out Monday a.m. Well, they arrived and were sitting on my front steps by Monday a.m.!!!! Not only was their service outstanding, but the bulbs (there were quite a few) were huge A-1+++++ quality. Those that had some roots had big, plump, white roots.

(signed) Thrilled in NJ

or better known as Kitty

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (14)

larschar
15 years ago
Oh, Kitty! That is so great. I just ordered from them last night and they shipped today. Let's see how long they take to get from CT to KS!!!!! It's so great to hear that the bulbs are in good shape. What did you get? I got the single flowering Christmas 7 bulb bundle and the single pink gift box one. Did you happen to get any of those?
kitty747
Original Author
15 years ago
Hi, I got (3 each of) Exotica, Pink Star, Amalfi, and the two cybisters, Emerald and Ruby Meyer. I think a full pot of the cybisters blooming at once would be fantastic, but really only wanted a couple of each of the others since the bulbs are so large. I offered Amalfi, but got no takers, and Kristi has dibs on a Pink Star. I already have a lot of hippis and leaniing more toward cybisters and doubles. My collection is getting rather large and my space is shrinking.
Related Discussions
Mass planting daffs, crocus, and ? in un mowed lawn
Q
Comments (7)
I have no experience with a meadow, but it sounds like that's what you are doing here. Maybe there's a meadow forum? Anyway, as long as you allow the foliage to turn brown before cutting or mowing, the bulbs you list will do fine out there, and probably will naturalize too (barring voles, squirrels, etc.) You could also plant muscari and Snowdrops (galanthus). Don't expect more than one, maybe two years of bloom from the tulips, and it's almost certain that Darwins won't naturalize. Do some research, though, for there are some "wild" tulips that very well might as far north as you are.
...See More
Buying bulbs online. Where?
Q
Comments (7)
I have purchased a lot of bulbs from van engelen, scheeper's 'wholesale' division (bulbs are sold in larger quantities and have a minimum order amount but do not require retail license in order to buy). I have been overall pleased but have had a few minor issues. I plant to order from them again this year. I have also purchase lilies from Brent and Becky's spring sale. Wow, those lilies have been fabulous. They bloomed wonderfully the first year and have continued to do very well. I get a catalogue from Zimmermans and will probably place a small order from this fall for anemones. Lovely picture April! What are you using as a trellis against your house? This post was edited by trovesoftrilliums on Tue, Jul 23, 13 at 23:16
...See More
Van Engelen Horticulturist on Tulip BLight
Q
Comments (13)
Hi Gang, (prepare yourselves, this could be long) I do agree with FlowerFarmer about the importance of highlighting Good Horticultural Practices when we discuss plant disease. I do a lot of searches on this forum, and others, before I ask questions. You guys educate quite helpfully, and how-to's on growing a good crop are vitally important to us newbies. To reiterate another thread, (Journal April 11-17), our tulip crop failure can be explained by at least four major growing mistakes: 1) we planted two years after infection appeared in a bed, the recommendation is minimum 3 years, 2) we planted tightly, which limited air flow, 3) we planted in relatively poorly drained, clay-based soil, 4) we mulched last winter, and then encountered a very wet Spring. Having said this, which I do believe is vitally important to future tulip growers, I have had some very interesting discussions with APHIS in the last few days. What a wonderfully responsive group! After leaving a message at the regional level (because the N.C. state group # was disconnected), I was put in contact with Debra Stewart of APHIS N.C. She wasn't familiar with Botrytis tulipae, but did inform me of the following: 1) APHIS' mission is to abort/eliminate NEW plant pathogens entering the U.S. If a pathogen is already established here, the cat is essentially out of the bag--my words, not hers. 2) Many bulbs imported from the Netherlands are not inspected on arrival to the U.S. Instead, they have a phytosanitary certificate, which declares them disease-free (including for Botrytis Tulipae). Other bulbs may be inspected in Holland?, and then in a sanitary warehouse in the U.S. upon arrival. 3) She referred me to my state Department of Agriculture (no word from them yet), and recommended I arrange for soil/bulb sampling. She was very precise that the first step of any investigation should be proof of pathogen type. She also suggested I call my county extension agent, who may be the responsible party for the sampling process. Ms Stewart asked that I report back to her if further investigation concludes that these bulbs contain a disease that a) is new to the U.S. or b) did not undergo inspection upon arrival to our borders. Later the same day, I got a call from the regional APHIS scientist with whom I left my initial message. He wanted to let me know my info had been passed to the N.C. person for follow-up. He also informed me that Botrytis tulipae is not on the APHIS action list, as it is in this country already---rather, this problem should be regarded by the grower/consumer as a plant quality issue. I have not yet gotten to my goal of a complete understanding as to whether Botrytis tulipae is a soil pathogen, making it unregulated in its entirety, or a bulb infection accepted by our regulators in a low grade level, as opposed to a "zero-tolerance" policy (for imports). Having seen the striking damage done to my crops, I would not be clear as to the value of a "low-level tolerant" phytosanitary policy. I have done A LOT of reading about this in the last two months, which suggests that, whereas certain fungi (such as Fusarium and others), are soil pathogens, Botrytis is so unique to the tulip host it HAS to be brought in by infected tulip material. Since my bed was a 30 year pine tree stand until a few years ago; and I live in a forest, which had not seen a single tulip since I moved here 8 years ago until those with blight appeared in a single season, I have concluded that this infection was brought in to my property by infected bulbs. However, I'm happy to be corrected by plant specialists. All the same, it is NOT my goal to detract the APHIS crowd from their daily work, and I have no intention of calling them regularly. I'll get back to you on the utility of sampling. For now, I recommend anyone with a problem call their state USDA agent for plants, and their county extension agent. My impression is that the only thing we have to offer APHIS is if these bulbs did not undergo inspection in the U.S. This would be useful information to that team. Otherwise, we must act individually to minimize our risk of further infection. Hope this helps. I've learned a lot. Sincerely, Valerie
...See More
New Amaryllis Varieties
Q
Comments (19)
This is my Red Pearl's second scape. The first was shorter and only had 3 flowers. The second is just over two feet tall (61 cm) and has 4, which should all be open soon. One thing I've noticed is its very strong tendency to grow toward the light. As it grew, I had to constantly rotate the pot to keep it from flopping - as a result, the scape has actually made a full twist, which you could see in the picture there. It adds interest in a way, but on the other hand is a lot of work. Miracle standing demurely to the right is actually no shrinking violet either - it's gorgeous! The buds take forever to open (I'm guessing because of the heavy substance of the petals), so I'm hoping that the flowers will also last a long time. The color is a very rich red. I'm only now labeling my pots as the flowers open, so let's see what's going to bloom next!
...See More
blancawing
15 years ago
Hi Kitty,

Please don't give up yet.

I am interested in trading for an Amalfi and an Emerald. I just need to investigate what I can offer you in exchange.

I will email you tomorrow.

Best,

Blanca
jodik_gw
15 years ago
The first bulb I bought when I began actually collecting was an Amalfi... it's a lovely variety! Mine had a soft spot, but with Maria guiding me, I did a little surgery... and today, Amalfi is a healthy bulb. She did flower for me right after potting, and was a beautiful shade of pink!

Exotica and Pink Star are two I don't have yet, and I've been thinking about a Ruby Meyer... but I have to slow down until I can make more room! I still have a few bulbs to re-pot and I must figure out a better shelving arrangement.

You'll love them all, Kitty! The cybisters are so unusual and just beautiful, and the regular hybrids are such colorful flowers... I don't think a person could really call any Hippeastrum an ugly bloom!
kitty747
Original Author
15 years ago
I'm only looking to trade one each of the regular bulbs because those bulbs are HUGE and I really don't have pots large enough to accommodate all three of each variety, but two in a pot works. What I don't need is a whole lot more pots to have to move around. However, I'd love to have whole pots just full of cybisters since those bulbs are smaller. I really, really must stop buying, but I'm so obsessed with these beautiful creatures. I think I'm outta control.
desperationfalls
15 years ago
I've ordered 18 bulbs of their 'Pretty in Pink'
Amaryllis bulbs at 9 bulbs for $56.95--
WHICH IS $6+ per bulb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is SUCH A FANTASTIC DEAL!!!
How come nobody is interested????
(I posted under 'The Offering' on this forum
and got NARY A RESPONSE!!!)
What is WITH THESE PEOPLE? Totally clueless.
larschar
15 years ago
Hey there, Desperation. I'm on the Van Engelen site right now and I can't find the Pretty in Pink. Are they sold out? I'll google for a pic.
kitty747
Original Author
15 years ago
Desperation, I can't seem to find that. This was on Van Engelen's web site? Is it a collection of pink hippis? I did a search on your name and "pretty in pink." I even went on Van Engelen and searched. Couldn't find a thing. $6.00 is a great deal.
Kitty
larschar
15 years ago
Oh, it was a collection. I get it. I'm pretty sure that I have all of those. I'll double check and get back to you. Maybe we can make a deal!
desperationfalls
15 years ago
The website is:
http://www.vanengelen.com/catview.cgi?_fn=Item&_recordnum=6516&_category=Website%20Specials

I hope that I am allowed to do this here????
elizabeth_jb
15 years ago
Candy Floss is quite nice. Rozetta is new to my doubles collection this year.

Amalfi is to die for... Quite precious and a delight!

The price is a good one!

Thank!
kitty747
Original Author
15 years ago
Gee, now why in the world couldn't I find that??????? I do have Rozetta, but it bloomed during the summer which took a lot out of it, and now I have Amalfi. I think somewhere, from the year 2000, I probably still have Candy Floss also. That is a great deal, though, for somebody looking to build their collection.
Kitty
desperationfalls
15 years ago
I give about 2 dozen amaryllis bulbs as Christmas gifts-
many to the little old ladies who used to sing in my
church choir. So, I can't be buying those $20.00 varieties
+ shipping (I HAVE done this in the past!)-because when you
multiply this all out, it comes to the $400 plus range of
money!
This year, I've bought a collection of these amaryllis and
plan to package them myself (have been collecting boxes)
and expect to ship them for less than $5 each and so come
up to about $11 per package, saving me money.
Glad to hear that Amalfi is such a find! I'll be sure that
this one goes to the sweetest folks ever!
kitty747
Original Author
15 years ago
Desperation, Now why didn't I think of that? What a great idea for gifts. If I purchased the bulbs now, I could have them about to bloom by Christmas. I would get the bare bulbs and pot them myself. I think my potting would be better than that stuff they provide in the kits, and it would cost me a lot less. Thanks for the great idea. . . . . And I would hint that if they don't want to bother with them after they bloom, that they could let me worry about that. Who knows, this may even create some new addicts!

Bulbs from van Engelen

Comments (14)

larschar

kitty747
Original Author

Related Discussions

blancawing

jodik_gw

kitty747
Original Author

desperationfalls

larschar

kitty747
Original Author

larschar

desperationfalls

elizabeth_jb

kitty747
Original Author

desperationfalls

kitty747
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Bulbs from van Engelen

Comments (14)

kitty747Original Author

Related Discussions

kitty747Original Author

kitty747Original Author

kitty747Original Author

kitty747Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

kitty747
Original Author

kitty747
Original Author

kitty747
Original Author

kitty747
Original Author

kitty747
Original Author