Very easy to grow, this is a useful and popular clumpforming plant, producing splashes of colour in the rockery or at the edges of beds and borders. Usually blue (but not always), they are frequently planted between taller bulbs such as tulips and daffodils. They can also be used for naturalising in woodland or planted in swathes. Plant 7cm (3”) deep, 10cm (4”) apart.
For Forcing - Once planted the pots need to be put in a cool, dark place, keeping the soil moist. Forcing will take between 12 and 16 weeks or when the shoots are 2’’ to 3’’ high. At this stage the pots should be brought out of cold storage into a cool unheated room. Turn the pots daily in order to keep the stems straight and strong. When the foliage and buds are well developed move the pots to a bright sunny position. This 2nd stage takes between 3 to 4 weeks.
