Prevent Flower Bulbs from Rotting – Growing in Newspaper Pots

December 31, 2018December 31, 2018 Yasmeen 0 Comments NEWSPAPER POTS, PREVENT BULB ROT

The most common problem with growing flowers bulbs is rotting. Before most of them can sprout, they rot in soil or die after coming up. These issues are highly preventable by altering the amount of water or changing location, but for a beginner gardener, they pose a big challenge.

To overcome this common problem of rotting bulbs, specially Ranunculus, we have a simple solution – growing in NEWSPAPER POTS.

ADVANTAGES OF PLANTING BULBS IN NEWSPAPER POTS

Water drainage

This is a big advantage. Paper pots do not hold water. They only allow as much as the soil can soak up to stay damp. In-fact, while growing in paper pots, it is important to water less otherwise the pot may break down. Hence, bulbs are never over-watered.

Controlled weather/location

The pots kept on a tray can be moved around according to weather. They need less sun while sprouting and gradually more a they grow. They can also be protected from excessive cold/heat easily and brought indoors, if needed.

Quick sprouting

Since the bulbs can be kept damp consistently without being over-watered and also indoors, it helps them sprout faster.

Less mortality & wilting after sprouting

Bulbs once sprouted continuously need to be kept damp for a few days till leaves establish. Growing out directly in the sun can sometimes cause the fresh new leaves to wilt or even die. Paper pots allow more control in this aspect.

Growing Flower Bulbs in Paper Pots – Demo & Comparison with Ranunculus

So I decided to test the efficiency of this method by experimenting with Ranunculus bulbs, since they are the most prone to rotting and difficult to grow for most beginners.

I sowed some Bulbs directly outside in pots, SEE HERE and some in Paper Pots. This is demonstrated below in pictures.

The bulbs in Newpaper Pots came up 18 days before the ones planted directly outside. This can be attributed to the factors listed above. See for yourself. Also, only 2 bulbs rotted, that were planted in hallow pots. This is a great sprouting rate for Ranunculus bulbs.

CLICK HERE to learn HOW TO MAKE PAPER POTS

10 days after the picture above, the bulbs planted outside had just begun to sprout!!

Once the bulbs have sprouted, they can be planted in pots or ground with or without the newspaper pots. They do not die during transplant if planted with the pot.