As I write this, we are approaching the perfect time to plant Spring bulbs. All Spring bulbs require some “chill hours,” like fruit trees. Chill hours are those spent below 45 degrees during the Fall, Winter, and Spring. Like fruit trees, the number of hours required differs from variety to variety, with tulips being the most sensitive when it comes to the proper amount of chill hours to develop that beautiful long-stemmed flower in the Spring. Prechilled bulbs are an excellent choice for those of you in areas where you may not receive the total number of hours needed. The provider chills the bulbs in an artificially cooled room to mimic Winter and then ships to you already partially or fully chilled bulbs depending on the number of chilling hours the bulbs received.
At Moonstruck Farms, we received all our Spring bulbs over six weeks ago, with the exception of 700 bulbs that were backordered. These have all been safely tucked in our cool room at 38 degrees, providing what is considered a partial “chill” at this time. The longer the bulbs stay in there, the closer they get to being a “full chill,” which mimics all the required chill hours in Winter. We always provide our bulbs a partial chill since our Winters have been unpredictable, and with El Nino here this year, the Winter will most likely be on the warm side, but there are many parameters in the weather forecast that could change that. We hope for another great cold winter to provide gorgeous Spring flowers and another abundant crop of peaches, apples, pears, and cherries. Moonstruck Farms will have bulbs available for sale at the market, and as soon as we complete the setup of our new company, they will be available for purchase online at Fables, A Bulb, and Seed Co.
Your local Farmers’ Markets have moved into their winter setup, with the Phelan Farmers Market being inside and outside at the Phelan Community Center each Monday from 2 pm to 5 pm. The Wrightwood Farmers Market is inside and outside at the Wrightwood Community Center each Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm. Please remember to place orders ahead of time with your favorite artisans and bakers to assist them in preparing for the holidays. The Wrightwood Farmers Market is closed December 22nd and 29th for the holidays. The Phelan Farmers Market is closed for Christmas and New Year’s Day on December 25th and January 1st. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
