Seasons
and Cycles:
Indoor Bulb Experiments
Part 2
Putting Bulbs into Cold Storage
 |
Test
your refrigerator temperatures |
You can experiment
with cold storage temperatures using any available refrigerator or cold
room. Refrigerators commonly operate between 34-44 F. Test yours by placing
thermometers in several different locations. If the temperature varies
significantly you may want to devise experiments with the results.
Pots of bulbs can be placed outside in colder climates (covered with various
types of insulation), then brought in after different periods of time.
During the cooling period, keep the soil moist but not wet. Keep the pots
cool and never allow them to freeze.
Bringing
Bulbs Out of Cold Storage
Different bulbs require different amounts of cold before they will grow.
Think about your own gardens- the earliest bulbs are often wildflower
bulbs or domestic “Snowdrops" or crocus. As the spring season
advances, later bulbs emerge according to their own inner clocks.
Although
most bulbs need between 12 and 16 weeks of cold to break
their dormancy, you might design your experiment to look at this phenomenon.
Generally, when the bulbs have sprouts of about 3 to 7 cm, the pots will
be ready to bring out into your warm classroom. Place them at room temperature
in a bright place for all to enjoy.
Digging Deeper
1. Exploring Growing Degree Days
- How much
heat does it take for your bulbs to grow and bloom? Try using the "Growing
Degree Day" lesson indoors.
- Predict GDD values for both your indoor bulbs and your Red Emperor tulips planted outside. Which will require more heat?
2.
Try Forcing Paperwhites:
Don't have a cold place to force bulbs?
Try this:
Back to: Indoor Bulb Experiments- Part 1 >>
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