We hope you have enjoyed the SRGC Forum. You can make a Paypal donation to the SRGC by clicking the above button

Author Topic: Galanthus flowers not opening  (Read 3201 times)

Katherine J

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 521
  • Lurking and learning
    • Flowers from the Alps
Galanthus flowers not opening
« on: January 30, 2008, 09:23:51 AM »
Hello dear all,
I have some Galanthus (I think nivalis, I was told "with extra large flowers") in a pot. They have been in 15°C for about 10 days, and they have been looking like this for about a week now. Is it normal???
Crocuses and Iris reticulata are almost overblown in this time.
Kata Jozsa - Budapest, Hungary
Zone 6

http://gardenonbalcony.blogspot.com

Anthony Darby

  • Bug Buff & Punster
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9647
  • Country: nz
Re: Galanthus flowers not opening
« Reply #1 on: January 30, 2008, 09:27:47 AM »
That is normal Katherine. I have a huge clump of 'Viridapices' and they have looked like this for weeks. I might add that if they have been moved or dried out, the bud may abort?
Anthony Darby, Auckland, New Zealand.
"Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution"
http://www.dunblanecathedral.org.uk/Choir/The-Choir.html

Katherine J

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 521
  • Lurking and learning
    • Flowers from the Alps
Re: Galanthus flowers not opening
« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2008, 09:45:23 AM »
Thanks, Anthony, it is good news. They haven't been dried out, but... moved? Well, yes, in the meantime I moved the pot in a place where there is more light and cooler (this is the 15°C, before it vas about 18).
« Last Edit: January 30, 2008, 10:01:48 AM by Kathrine J »
Kata Jozsa - Budapest, Hungary
Zone 6

http://gardenonbalcony.blogspot.com

Martin Baxendale

  • Quick on the Draw
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2849
  • Country: gb
  • faster than a speeding...... snowdrop
Re: Galanthus flowers not opening
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2008, 10:01:55 AM »
Kathrine, high temperatures (eg keeping pot-grown snowdrops in a hot room indoors) can cause buds to abort. It's best to keep them as cool as possible.
Martin Baxendale, Gloucestershire, UK.

Katherine J

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 521
  • Lurking and learning
    • Flowers from the Alps
Re: Galanthus flowers not opening
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2008, 10:03:15 AM »
there is more light and cooler
:D :D I mean COLDER
Kata Jozsa - Budapest, Hungary
Zone 6

http://gardenonbalcony.blogspot.com

Martin Baxendale

  • Quick on the Draw
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2849
  • Country: gb
  • faster than a speeding...... snowdrop
Re: Galanthus flowers not opening
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2008, 10:07:21 AM »
Kathrine, I think what Anthony meant was buds can abort if the bulbs have been dug up and the roots disturbed, like if you move them to another part of the garden. Moving the pot to a cooler place will not be a problem (cooler or colder, both are okay and correct to say  :)
Martin Baxendale, Gloucestershire, UK.

mark smyth

  • Hopeless Galanthophile
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15254
  • Country: gb
Re: Galanthus flowers not opening
« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2008, 10:08:05 AM »
I also have some snowdrops taking a very long time to break free of the spathe.
Antrim, Northern Ireland Z8
www.snowdropinfo.com / www.marksgardenplants.com / www.saveourswifts.co.uk

When the swifts arrive empty the green house

All photos taken with a Canon 900T and 230

Katherine J

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 521
  • Lurking and learning
    • Flowers from the Alps
Re: Galanthus flowers not opening
« Reply #7 on: January 30, 2008, 10:36:51 AM »
Thank you ver very much! I can work more leisurely now!  ;D
Kata Jozsa - Budapest, Hungary
Zone 6

http://gardenonbalcony.blogspot.com

Alan_b

  • 'finder of the light'
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3976
  • Country: england
Re: Galanthus flowers not opening
« Reply #8 on: January 30, 2008, 05:35:53 PM »
I almost always get a small fraction of my snowdrop bulbs that put up a bud that never manages to open.  But as it happens on plants that have been undisturbed in the garden, usually several in the same location, I have always assumed it was down to adverse conditions earlier in the season.
Almost in Scotland.

mark smyth

  • Hopeless Galanthophile
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15254
  • Country: gb
Re: Galanthus flowers not opening
« Reply #9 on: January 30, 2008, 06:52:19 PM »
if the unopened flower turns brown and watery, I have been told, Stag may have caused it
Antrim, Northern Ireland Z8
www.snowdropinfo.com / www.marksgardenplants.com / www.saveourswifts.co.uk

When the swifts arrive empty the green house

All photos taken with a Canon 900T and 230

 


Scottish Rock Garden Club is a Charity registered with Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR): SC000942
SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal