BULB GROWING IN ALASKA

Abstract

The information in this circular is intended for the use of settlers and homesteaders in Alaska who are interested in the more general growing of hardy flowering bulbs in the Territory. Alaska is very poor in native ornamental plants, and although the Alaska agricultural experiment stations do not specialize in flower growing, the Sitka station in 1923 began -an experiment which was later extended to the stations in the interior, to determine the possibility of growing bulbous plants in the Territory. The experiment has demonstrated that hardy flowering bulbs, including narcissus, tulips, English iris, gladiolus, the Regal lily, and hyacinths can be propagated on a commercial scale in Alaska. Lovers of these beautiful flowers should grow their own bulbs so far as possible, as some varieties can no longer be obtained in commercial quantities from foreign countries on account of the risk of introducing pests. Narcissus bulbs, shipped interstate by American growers, are required by a Federal quarantine to be inspected and certified to be free from pests and diseases, and certain States have placed similar restrictions on the sale of other kinds of bulbs.