I'm just back from Tahiti with some corms (?) or bulbs or something I found lying on the ground. I have no idea what they are or how to grow them.

The things look a lot like tulip bulbs, only bigger. They have...uh...petals folded up tight from the bottom, and come to a distinct point on top. I'd like to start them, even if they don't thrive in this cool climate, just to see what is produced. Suggestions?

Catty

My suggestion is that you should have left them there...or you should throw them away. They could be harboring disease or dormant pests that are not native to this area and I wouldn't risk the chance of creating a problem in your garden.

Thank you, Lydia, but I am not going to put them in my garden or anywhere else outside. I plan to raise them in pots, inside.

Catty

oh...sorry for the misunderstanding Catty. If you want to try them in pots indoors, I'd go with a 50/50 peat/potting soil mix...place the bulb about one half to two thirds of the way down in the pot. If it looks like a tulip bulb and has a point and a flat part...put the flat part on the bottom and the point towards the top. If it appears to just be pretty uniform in shape, it likely doesn't matter (although those ones I usually soak in water overnight and they will split a little and I put that part up).

If the bulb/corm/tuber is small, I wouldn't go down further than 1/2 way down a small pot (a couple of in ches at most). For a larger (tulip sized) bulb - you can go a bit further down.

I'll be curious to hear what you get - - let us know!

I too am curious and if I get anything at all I'll let you know.
It is bound to be spectacular because while Tahiti may be deficient
in fauna (wild pigs only) it is absolutely overrun with flowering bushes and trees.

Catty