How to Force Bulbs to Bloom

For gardeners and others who love flowers, the winter months can drag on forever. One way to do a little indoor gardening and reap the rewards of fresh flowers is to force spring bulbs to flower indoors. It is a relatively easy process and one the whole family can experience and enjoy.

Begin by planting the bulbs in pots filled with rich, quality soil so that only the tips of the bulbs are exposed and even with the rim of the pot. Add soil so that it is within an inch below the rim to allow for watering.

Water the bulbs. Store the pots in a cold area such as a refrigerator; cellar or cold frame if you have one. Continue to water just enough to keep them from drying out. They will need to be left in a cold for one to several months depending on the type of bulb and the bulb itself. months until roots are seen poking out from the bottom drainage hole in the pot.

Once roots can be seen growing out of the pot's drainage hole, move the pot to a well light room. Once growth has begun, the bulbs will need to be kept moist but not soggy.

Granny's Tips

The theory is that any bulb that can be grown outside can be forced to bloom inside. However, there are some bulbs that require certain humidity and temperature levels that are hard to control in the average house. The bulbs listed above are considered "easy" to force. You can plant the bulbs you have forced outdoors after the foliage has died. Most bulbs can not be forced to bloom two years in a row. I suggest you consider transplanting the bulbs you have forced to an outside garden for the following spring/summer to give them a rest.

Comments (1)

DenaBolton said:

	... I do it a little differently. (Will post article later.) This is good, tho.
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January 02, 2010
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