Yes, I agree that Calcium Sulfate/Gypsum is pretty insignificant; I shouldn't have even brought it up. So let's scratch that one. And while we agree that Nitrogen is very mobile up and down in concentration and most likely lower in the Fall but in relation to me calling it a potential bad actor, we will differ. If there is significant enough Nitrogen around and an abundance of moisture, such as a rainy, wet Fall, the bulb(s) will become saturated. These bulbs are commonly called 'water heads' or 'water babies' (kind of a misnomer) by lilium bulb farmers and is kind of a common everyday term, used frequently as in casual conversation. It's probably even used by other type bulb growers too, but I don't have any association/relationship with them so can't say for sure. Anyway , I think everyone knows what happens when the water portion freezes and ruptures the cell structure within the bulbs--it will rot. This is different than water alone scenerio on the outside of the bulb which can cause another rotting condition called stump rot. but that's largely a Spring event with repeated freeze/thaw cycles So, I've sort of been schooled and learned along way that Nitrogen and Water combination in the Fall is something to be very mindfull of. Where you would be more apt to adding some 10-10-10, I would be doing exactly the opposite--I'd be adding compost to lessen the nitrogen, stop all watering and pray I don't have an overly wet Fall. Wow! Coming from you then, information I consider exceptionaly reputable, there must be two schools of thoughts/applications on this. Humm-interesting. I must have some information around here somewhere on the Nitrogen, Water and 'water baby' relationship. It may take a couple days to see what I have and then I'll either post it or tree mail it to you Rick.
I liked the old Mother Nature commercial--I think she's chased me out of the garden more than a few times--but it's fun teasing her isn't it!
