Winter in Spring

How to trick bulbs into blooming inside

By Leanne Birkholder

When winter sets in we often crave some essence of spring. And if you’re like me, you don’t want to wait for the smell of spring during those long winter months. This is an opportunity to force bulbs. “Forcing bulbs” sounds a bit harsh but really it is about taking steps to trick a bulb to bloom out of season. Creating optimal artificial conditions can encourage bulbs to bloom at any time. Each plant needs different conditions to bloom—the table below outlines some steps to take to get these bulbs to bloom.

TIPS

• Basements and garages are ideal for cool, dark storage locations.

• If using potting soil, keep it moist (not wet).

• Don’t forget to review the instructions from your bulb supplier as conditions may vary depending on the variety of your bulbs.

AMARYLLIS (Hippeastrum)

• Use a narrow pot (with drainage holes) that is about 5 cm (2 in) wider than the bulb. Insert the bulb into potting soil, leaving the top third uncovered.

• Place in a warm area with indirect light. Keep the soil moist.

• Turn the pot around if the growth is leaning too heavily towards one side to get sun.

Time needed before blooming:8 to 12 weeks

Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus)

• Choose a clear vessel; fill a third with small gravel (like 3/8" pea gravel).

• Insert bulbs with pointy tips upwards. Fill the rest of the pot with more gravel, keeping the bulb tips uncovered.

• Fill the vessel with water up to the base of the bulbs; monitor and water as needed. Place in a warm area with indirect light.

• Use gloves when handling bulbs.

Time needed before blooming:4 to6 weeks

Tulips (Tulipa)

• Use a clay or plastic pot (with drainage holes). Use taller pots for tall varieties.

• Fill with potting soil; insert bulbs and cover with soil. Water pots well until soil is consistently moist.

• Place in a cool, dark area (0°-10°C); once growth starts move to a warmer area with indirect light (18°C); when the growth is 5 cm tall move to a sunny location (about 20°C).

Time needed before blooming: 16 to 18 weeks

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus)

• Using a special hyacinth forcing container, insert the bulb, and fill the container with water up to the base of the bulb. Store in a cool dark place until growth emerges, then move to a warmer area with indirect light (or in a north-facing window).

• Refresh the water every two weeks and ensure the water is high enough.

• Turn the forcing container around if the new growth is leaning too heavily towards one side to get sun.

Time needed before blooming: 6 to 8 weeks