HI,

So am I reading this correct that you feed them while they're entering dormancy? Without knowing where you live, it's a bit difficult to diagnose your problem. If their being grown in pots (due to colder climate) usually at the end of their growing season, water and feeding is withheld so that the leaves that were produced in the summer, start to dry and shrivel. Then a cool period/rest for about 8 weeks is needed to help initiate flowering in late winter/early spring. This is the typical treatment I use in Massachusetts, but if you live in a warmer climate and have the blessings of being able to leave them in the ground, then that's a different story. Let us know.

Thank you Fred. I'm sorry I've probably confused everyone. If I can I'll post two photos of the plant . I live in the UK (in Sussex not far from Brighton on the south coast. The winters are too cold in this area to plant this flower outside so its indoors all the time and in a pot. I think I need to start again with what I've got now (see pics) and take it from here. What would you suggest I do from now? Should I repot with fresh compost? take it away from the light? feed or not feed?leave as it is in the light?

Thanks for your advice, appreciated!

Best,

Philip

Hi Philip,

I would definitely let them let them keep growing outside if you can and feed them but, I wouldn't re-pot them for fear of disturbing their actively growing roots. Wait until they're done with their dormancy (next year) and re-pot them just before you bring them into a warmer place in preparation for their bloom. Many folks (including myself) just scrape the first few inches of the old growing medium and replace it with some fresh medium along with some good organic slow release fertilizer. I hope this helps.

Hi Philip! I agree with Fred, if you can grow the plant outdoors, it
could help prepare the plant to bloom next season. I've been to
Brighton (it's lovely), but not Sussex. Even with cool, coastal
weather, your plant will get more sunlight if it's outside. You'll need
to bring the plant indoors when the weather starts to worsen in the
Autumn. Assuming your plant has foliage now, it would be a great time
to gradually move it to brighter outdoor light. Again, assuming it has
leaves and roots, it would benefit from fertilizer at this point in the
growing season. As you get further into the growing season, you'll want
to make sure you're not giving too much nitrogen, since that can cause
the plant to put its energy into lots of leaves but prevent the plant
from developing next year's flower bud within the bulb.

Even under good conditions, sometimes you don't get a bloom! -Tina

Thanks again Fred for replying. I will certainly implement your advice and Ill let you know how I get on over the forthcoming weeks

Tina, Thank you very much for your contribution, very helpful. I had certainly not thought of the N being given in moderation!

Fred & Tina, I did try and post 2 pictures of the plant but not sure if I was successful - did either of you see them? I think Ill try again!

photos? Hi Fred and Tina: If you can see these 2 pics, do you think I should trim the very (old) long leaves down a bit. If so how much? Thanks again, Philip

Many thanks for the advice Brian. Where are you in the world?

Hi, I'm in Sunny California but live in an apartment so I have to be creative with my available sunlight.

Ahh , we loved a driving tour from Santa Monica along the coast to San Francisco!