The third source, and most common one, is imported tubers or clumps from Holland. Millions of tubers are imported each spring. They are available from garden centers, box stores, and from the Internet. Our local hardware store sells them. For the most part they are disease and virus free. Typically, they bloom true as named. The biggest risk is that they are boxed loosely and shipped in peat moss. Expect some damage to the necks. If you pot them quickly, usually one or two will develop and bloom from the pot root.
My bags of tubers are still hibernating in vermiculite. Some growers check them monthly. I may be lazy, because I let them sit until late February. I have relatively little rot because I divide the clumps and dust the cut surfaces with
Vikron before bagging.
Last year I opened the bags during January, but eyes were slow to sprout. Tubers will spring to life on their own calendar.
We are still waiting for snow in Northern Virginia.
Harry Rissetto
