CyberSalad: Garden Pursuits: Bulbs: Squill (Scilla)

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Scilla

     Blue is the color most often associated with squills, but there are pink, reddish, purple, lavender, and white varieties as well. The many species grow from 6 to 12 inches tall and bear spiky clusters that may hold anywhere from three to 100 half-inch to 1-inch flowers. The ribbonlike leaves wither away in early summer. All species are effective in rock gardens or massed under trees or spring-blossoming shrubs. They are also easy to grow in pots for midwinter bloom indoors, and they make pleasing miniature cut flowers.
     Scilla siberica and it's varieties, which do not do well in hot climates, are hardy in Zones 1-8. Squills do well in any light from full sun to deep shade. Plant in the garden in the fall, spaced 3 to 6 inches apart and covered with 2 to 3 inches of soil.
     For winter-blooming house plants, pot bulbs in early fall in a good potting soil. Put them in a cool dark place for 8 to 10 weeks before bringing them into direct light. Keep the pots in the coolest room in the house--night temperatures of 50 F or lower assure long-lasting bloom. Keep the soil moist during active growth. Do not fertilize. After flowers fade and foliage withers, save the bulbs for planting in the garden in fall.
     Once planted, squills may be left undistruned and will increase in beauty for many years. Propagate in early summer from the small bulbs that develop around large ones. Seedlings take about three years to reach flowering size.

Scilla siberica Dark violet blue flowers on 4-6 inch tall plants with narrow grass-like leaves. Bloom time: March. Height: 6". Great for companion planting with tulips and are one of the best bulbs for naturalizing.

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Site launched January 1, 2000.
Site updated September 1, 2007.