Forcing Bulbs Indoors
Growing your own beatiful blooms is much easier than you may think. Follow these simple steps and bring some spring inside today!
1. Choosing and preparing your container
Almost any container can be used for forcing bulbs. However, be sure that your container is deep enough to withstand the height of the blooms and has adequate drainage. For pots without a drainage hole, simply place 1 to 2 inches of stones in the bottom, which will prevent the bulbs from sitting in any excess water.
Fill the container three-quarters full with a good quality potting soil.
2. Planting your bulbs
Place bulbs closely together, pointy side up, in the container, being sure that they do not touch one another. Cover the bulbs with a light layer of potting soil, and water thoroughly. At this point, it is beneficial to label the container with the name of the flower and the date that you potted them.
3. Cooling period
Place the container and bulbs in a cool, dark place such as a cellar or an unheated garage. Early blooming bulbs, such as snowdrops, crocus and daffodils need 12 weeks of a cooling period, whereas late blooming bulbs, such as tulips, need 16 weeks.
Take the container out of cold storage when you see shoots of about 3 inches in height.
4. Enjoy
Relocate the container indoors, and gradually introduce it to more and more light weekly. Flowers will last depending on temperature and sun exposure. The cooler the temperatures, the longer lasting the flowers will be. Keep flowers moist and enjoy the beautiful blooms!
TIP: Try staggering planting times and plant a new set of bulbs every two weeks so that you can enjoy flowers throughout the better part of winter!