Forcing Bulbs for Indoor Bloom

    Now is the season for Holland bulbs.  Traditionally we plant tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus outdoors in October and November for spring bloom in our gardens.  Another option for Holland bulbs is a process called forcing.  This is the process of rooting and cooling bulbs followed by a warm climate which promotes bloom prior to the natural, exterior time.

    Let's look at some facts about  bulb forcing.

    1 - Bulbs have the necessary stored energy for bloom but must develop roots and have a cool period.
    2 - Plant in odd numbers for a showier and more natural appearance.
    3 - Place close together but not touching one another.
    4 - Plant in a shallow, well drained pot.
    5 - Store in a temperature of approximately 9 degrees Centigrade (48 degrees Fahrenheit).
    6 - Bulbs need frequent watering during all steps of forcing, but use caution not to over water.
    7 - After a period of weeks the bulbs will be done cooling and can be placed in a warm area.
    8 - Don't forget to turn the pots every couple of days to insure uniform exposure to the sunlight.

    One method of forcing bulbs is to cool your bulbs in a refrigerator which generally ranges from 40 to 45 degrees.  A period of weeks in the fridge followed by the warm climate of a sunny room in the home should give you predictable results if you need to know an exact date of bloom.  Allow 12 weeks of cooling and rooting for hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips.  Allow 15 weeks for crocus (which would make them bloom later than if you planted them outside).  After placing the bulbs in a warm climate they should bloom within 3 to 4 weeks.

    A second method would be to place the pot of bulbs outside burying in fine pine bark mulch and letting nature take its course.  When using this method, water only during periods of drought to avoid rot.  While this method would produce a later bloom time than the first method because of the waiting period for cool soil, it is certainly easier.  Place the bulbs under mulch by October 1st and bring them in anytime from January 1st and forward.  You should be able to have nice blooms for Valentines Day if you bring them in by January 10th.  If you wait much longer than October 1st to plant then just put them in the ground because you will have lost the time advantage of the forcing process.

    The third and most popular method is to buy "prepared" bulbs, the most common being Amaryllis and Paperwhite Narcissus.  These bulbs require no cooling.  Simply pot and water. You will have spectacular bloom in 4 to 5 weeks  This method is a "no brainer".  Simply make sure you have bright light and frequent watering.  Amaryllis are planted in soil individually because they are so large.  Paperwhites can be planted in gravel - no soil needed!  Soil is also okay for paperwhites.

    Don't forget to water your bulbs as you go along.  Best of Luck to you.