How to Grow Plants to use as Gifts

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Growing plants to use as gifts is something that anyone can do. Flowering plants make great gifts. They’re pretty, may have a nice fragrance and can be planted for lasting enjoyment. Some of the best of these come from bulbs, which are fairly easy to grow. Here are some tips for fun and successful gift-giving ideas.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Glass containers
Liquid plant nutrients
Water
Quality bulbs

Step1

Decide what kind of bulbs you want to grow. There are plenty to choose from, but if you’re gong to create a gift plant, let’s narrow those down: Crocus; Hyacinth; Paper whites; Daffodils; Narcissus; Dutch Irises; and Amaryllis.

Any of these can be “forced” (grown out of the regular season) and come in a range of colors.

Step2

When choosing bulbs, select those that are firm, not soft or bruised looking.

Step3

The easiest way to grow plants is in glass containers with water, though you can grow them in soil if you prefer. Glass seems easier. There are special glass containers for crocus, hyacinth and narcissus--the bulb goes on top and water in the bottom--but you can grow them in any glass container that’s large enough. Choose one at least twice as big as the bulb.

Step4

Put glass beads or pebbles in bottom. Place 2 to 3 bulbs securely inside, pointed side up, with some space between them. Then cover the bulb completely with water.

Step5

Place in cool room with filtered light for 4 to 6 weeks until root system develops, then move to a bright window.

Step6

Add nutrients and liquid plant food to the water weekly.

Step7

You can also grow bulbs in pots, but it takes more to do. Fill clay or plastic pots with rich loamy soil. Place 2 to 3 bulbs halfway down with pointy sides sticking up. Place in a dark cool room for 6 to 8 weeks to germinate. After this, move them to a cool sunny spot. When leaves and shoots form, move to warm location. Avoid direct sunlight.

Step8

Amaryllis care is different. Plant with rich soil in a pot 2to 3 inches larger in diameter than the bulb. The upper half of the bulb should be exposed. Water thoroughly, then let dry out. When the stalk appears, water frequently but not when already moist.

Step9

Place in warm sunny place till buds show color, then move out of direct light. Turn pots every day or so to keep plants straight and tall.

Step10

When buds start to show, your “gifts” are ready! Wrap the base carefully with cellophane (clear or color) and you’ve got a gift anyone will love!

Tips & Warnings

When transporting plants, secure by putting into boxes or other containers that won’t slide or tip over. Also wrap loosely with newspaper to protect from sunlight.
As flowers begin to open, take the plants out of direct sunlight to prolong the bloom.
When giving plants as gifts, beware of the elements. If it’s cold out, cover carefully with newspaper or other protective covering to keep from frostbite.