Controlling the growth of pots and flower buds is a challenge.
The weather seems to have taken a turn for the better. The daytime temperatures are higher and there has been some warm sunshine to make us think that spring has arrived. The month of March often has a fair mixture of weather types so be prepared for frosts, high winds, hail storms and blinks of warm sunshine. All these lead to the challenge of getting the pots of bulbs properly prepared for the Caley Spring Show which is only matter of three weeks away.
The pot of Tulips has been sitting in the shade all week and while it has grown slightly the flower buds have yet to become visible. 
Tulips originate for warmer, sunnier climes and when they are exposed to long periods of sunshine their growth accelerates. Hence why mine will remain in the shade for another week. The Hyacinths meanwhile continue to open. What you are looking for here is a pot with three flower spikes of equal size and quality. Mine fails that test but the best flower spike will be cut and entered into the cut flower class.
The two pots of Scamp Challenge bulbs are now showing well formed flowerbuds and by next week I suspect they will have developed more and will have entered the ‘Goose Neck’ phase where the buds curve over and point downwards. The pots will remain in a shaded area and continue be fed and kept well supplied with water.
There are good bud present on the pot of Teal and the variety ‘Precocious is not far behind. 
Both will remain in a shaded spot just to steady their growth as I continue with feeding and watering. There is a problem with keeping the pots in the shade for an extended period however. The foliage and flower stems can become etiolated and the pots will need to be staked and tied to keep the plants upright.
The pot of ‘Halloon’ is slow in developing its flowerbuds and so it has been moved back into the sunshine to encourage better growth. The flower buds on the pot of the double variety ‘Ballroom Queen’ are starting to swell and it will remain in the shade for the next week.
I find trying to control the growth of the pots and flower buds quite challenging on occasions and this year is no exception.
Keep an eye on the weather, especially look out for any warning of high winds, beware of slugs nibbling the newly opened flowers and above all keep pottering and smiling.
More next week.
George
