"Jane" wrote in message . net...
Hi,
I'm in zone 6 and a half with 3 feet of snow but I want to start some
tuberose bulbs in peat pots so I can get them ready to go right into the bed
when its warmer. I'm thinking if I'm careful i can just pull up the peat
pots later and over winter them inside. I've never grown these before so any
info would be appreciated.
Thanks,

Jane

I have grown lots (many thousands) of tuberose in zone 6b, so here is
what I have learned! They want HEAT and LOVE DRY conditions, I would
suggest avoiding peat pots. I have found peat pots to be almost
worthless, they sound good but don't work well, the peat doesn't allow
the roots through unless the soil is constantly very moist, and the
peat can wick away moisture from the roots. I would suggest using a 6
inch cheap black nursery pot, like people are always throwing away,
for your pulling up for the winter idea. If you want to start now be
sure you have a very sunny window and don't over water. It would be
good to give them a start now since they are slow to bloom! But don't
rush them, I planted them outside (as bulbs) in early april in raised
beds. They didn't even come up till june!!! Once in the ground they
NEVER need watering! I have a very dry soil and as I said the beds
were raised and they bloom best in "drought" conditions! The plants
look bad but they bloom a lot and get large bulbs, to much water is
far more of a threat in the east! After ist frost lift the pots/bulbs
and let dry completely til next spring, if you have a good window pull
before frost and keep them growing all winter, you may get a bloom or
two.