Hyacinths

[debbiem]

I thought that since last year at about this time all I had was blue flowers on the border, I'd add some Spring bulbs in different colours for a bit of variety. Some of these bulbs are hyacinths. I bought a mixed bunch which are lovely and have come out in blue, purple and pink and smell divine. But I also fancied some Jan Bos hyacinths which are red. The mixed bunch are very strong and nothing wants to eat them. The Jan Bos, however, are having a very tough time and something is nibbling them. They are later flowering than the others and don't look anywhere near as tough as the others. I can't think why some hyacinths are tastier than others but it certainly seems to be the case here.
Has anyone had similar experiences?
Incidentally I don't seem to have much blue at all at the moment - I hope it's all to come! :

[maggyd]

I cant say I have noticed anything nibbling mine its early for slugs outside isnt it? I plant mine out after they have flowered in the house and have a few dotted here and there Ill go out and inspect them to-morrow.

[4pygmies]

It's probably mice Debbie - they are partial to newly emerging bulbs I have found. They quite often turf my bulbs out of their pots so I have to net them now.

[debbiem]

I think it could be mice the way they look 'nibbled' - they certainly don't fancy all the other hyacinths I've got growing though - whoever is eating them like just the Jan Bos, how very selective of them. :

[madonplants]

debbiem said:

I think it could be mice the way they look 'nibbled' - they certainly don't fancy all the other hyacinths I've got growing though - whoever is eating them like just the Jan Bos, how very selective of them. :

The only way to prove it one way or the other, is to put down a 'live' trap for mice, near to where the damage is being done. Then if you catch one, there is your answer. I have mice in our garage again, but I am using other traps, as I know only mice can get in. I now keep a look out for birds as well, when I set them. When we lived in Oakham, a blackbird came into the garage and got a sore beak. That mega upset me, but after a few minutes it seemed OK and flew off chirping away, but I now try and do it just before dark and have a good look around, beforehand.

I don't think it could be the doves, you mentioned on my thread, they are seed eaters, mainly.

Keith

[debbiem]

madonplants said:

debbiem said:

I think it could be mice the way they look 'nibbled' - they certainly don't fancy all the other hyacinths I've got growing though - whoever is eating them like just the Jan Bos, how very selective of them. :

The only way to prove it one way or the other, is to put down a 'live' trap for mice, near to where the damage is being done. Then if you catch one, there is your answer. I have mice in our garage again, but I am using other traps, as I know only mice can get in. I now keep a look out for birds as well, when I set them. When we lived in Oakham, a blackbird came into the garage and got a sore beak. That mega upset me, but after a few minutes it seemed OK and flew off chirping away, but I now try and do it just before dark and have a good look around, beforehand.

I don't think it could be the doves, you mentioned on my thread, they are seed eaters, mainly.

Keith

Thanks Keith - I don't think it's the doves either really, it's something more earthbound like a slug or a rodent. Funny though that it's just the Jan Bos that are getting noshed, the others are flourishing untouched!