Minerva box kit 2014

Well, here we go!  First up, the stats on a Minerva box kit bought at a small local nursery chain:

• Cost: US $8.99
• Date of purchase: Nov. 11, 2014
• Date planted: Nov. 16, 2014
• Bulb size in circumference: 25cm actual/26-28cm claim size
• Pot size: 6″/15cm equivalent
• Bulb origin: Brazil
• Kit Brand/Company: Netherland Bulb Co.

Right away we see a familiar problem, particularly when kits use bulbs grown in the Southern Hemisphere. These were ready to bloom months ago, and were held in refrigeration as long as possible. As soon as they leave the warehouse they are almost literally bustin’ at the box seams! Had I not waited 5 days after purchase, the bending of the scape and distortion of the spathe (flower bud sheath) might not have been this extreme. In fact, many such kits go much longer either in a warm store or the warm home of the purchaser before they are opened for planting. This box was stored in a cool basement, so it could have been much worse. To think that these kits are marketed as Christmas Gifts. There is no way that these anxious bulbs can wait that long!

The kit itself? A real bargain in terms of the pot and potting media. Not only is the pot appropriately sized, but it has generous drainange holes (a must!), a snap-on saucer (nicely matching, of course). The color and design are handsome, understated, and fairly stylish. The bulb itself could be better. Despite the box stating a 26-28cm bulb, it measures a slightly smaller 25cm. Since it is within 1cm, and the drying and shrinking should count for something, no major deductions there. The roots though, are not good. The few remaining roots attached are crispy critters. Better to just remove them entirely, as they are just going to rot once the soil is moistened.

Once planted, we see that with the bulb “neck” properly above the soil line, we have just the right amount of potting mix in the bag. Now we put our crook-necked fellow in a sunny window, turning frequently to get the scape to straighten out.  Since there are no active roots, a warm room and very sparing water are key. Don’t water on a schedule, check by plunging your finger int the soil. If it is dry more than an inch or two down, give a little water. Actually the directions on the back of the box are pretty decent in this case. Our hunched fellow seems to be staring in disbelief at the design of the box top though. I don’t blame him. Bedecked with printed versions of a ribbon, bow, and even a gift tag, it was clearly meant for gifting during the winter holidays. Was this poor bulb really supposed to make it all the way to late December?

And, Voila! We have our first flower on November 30. At about 5.5″/14cm across the flower size is OK, but could be better. There were four buds, the average count. It is a blessing that the scape is so short, or that rootless bulb might have needed staking. OK, so great, our work is done here you say? Not so fast…after all this Emaryllis.com, land of the properly labeled bulb. And here we do not have ‘Minerva’, no way, no how. A close approximation, but this is the much newer ‘Mambo’, a common substitute these days. With its wider, whiter center and flatter form, the ID is certain. There is a second scape coming along, so when the final roundup is done, we will have a chance to rate this kit’s overall performance against its companions. So far, so-so.