FORCING BULBS FOR INDOORS

When to Start

To create January and February blooms from mid-January, it is best to begin the forcing process in mid-September, and no later than early November. Most bulbs require a cooling period of 12 to 14 weeks and an extra four weeks to force into flower. The length of cool storage will vary with the type of bulb and the time of year. It is during the cooling process that bulbs develop their roots and begin to show the first signs of growth.

Pasquesi Home & Gardens recommends two methods to cool and force bulbs: potting or dry storage.

Potting

The potting method involves cooling and forcing bulbs in containers. Shallow terracotta or plastic pots with drainage holes work best, providing room for root development and flower display.

Choose a loose potting medium with good drainage. Pasquesi Premium Potting Mix available from Pasquesi Home & Gardens is ideal.

Tulips, hyacinths, and narcissi (daffodils) should be potted with their tips just above the soil line. Crocuses, scillas, mascaris and other small bulbs should be covered with a half inch of potting mix. Plant bulbs close together, approximately one to one-and-a-half inches apart. After potting, water thoroughly and label with potting the date and variety of bulb.

Place pots in cool temperatures of 40°F to 45°F, outside, in an unheated garage, or in the refrigerator for 12 to 14 weeks. Make sure they are stored away from ripening fruits that give off bulb-damaging ethylene gas. If the pots are placed outdoors, cover them with straw or mulch to keep temperatures consistent. Potted bulbs will develop a root system during this period.

After the cooling period, or when stems are roughly the same length as the bulb, move the pots to a cool (55°F - 65°F), bright room. Be careful not to expose pots to temperatures exceeding 70°F, which will damage flower buds. Water regularly and apply a general purpose houseplant fertilizer, such as Peters Houseplant Liquid Soluble Plant Food available at Pasquesi Home & Gardens. When flower buds begin to color, the pots may be brought into warmer areas of the house.

Dry Storage

The dry storage method cools bulbs before potting takes place. During the cooling period, dry-forced bulbs require temperatures of 40°F to 45°F for approximately 14 weeks. Bulbs should be placed in a cool environment such as a window well, garage or refrigerator. Place bulbs in a paper bag to ensure air circulation.

After 14 weeks, or when bulbs show yellowish-white sprouts that are roughly be the same size as the bulbs, pot bulbs according to the instructions above, making sure sprouts are above the soil. Water well and apply a general purpose indoor plant fertilizer.

Unlike the potted method, dry storage bulbs will not have developed roots. To encourage root development, place pots in a cool room (55°F - 65°F) for two to three weeks. Be careful pots are not placed in direct sunlight as this heats the soil and the bulbs will grow too fast, producing leaves only. After two to three weeks, move pots to normal room temperatures to promote blooming.

Caring for Indoor Bulbs

Once bulbs have finished blooming, deadhead wilted flowers and continue watering. This will encourage the plant's energy to flow back into the bulb, helping to create healthy blooms for future years. When all leaves turn yellow, bulbs may be transplanted into the garden. Generally, bulbs can only be forced for one year.

Forcing Bulbs in Water

Hyacinths and narcissi can be forced into bloom in water - ideal for tender bulbs such as paper whites. Any shallow, watertight container is suitable. Fill approximately two thirds of the dish with clean, coarse gravel or decorative pebbles. Arrange the bulbs in the container and add enough gravel to hold them in place. Fill the container with water until the water level reaches the base of the bulbs. Be careful not to allow the water level to rise above the base of the bulbs as this will cause the bulbs to rot.

If a hyacinth vase is being used, fill the lower portion of the vase with water and position the bulb so that the base sits in water.

Place bulbs in a cool (40°F - 50°F), dark place for two to three weeks to promote root development. When roots have developed, and the sprout has grown two to three inches long, bring containers into a bright room to encourage flowering. Temperatures should not exceed 70°F.

Hyacinths should be allowed to die back naturally, and can be planted in the garden for future flowering.

Bulbs Suitable For Forcing:

Bulbs available from Pasquesi Home & Gardens from early- to mid-September.

Pasquesi Home and Gardens is a complete resource for gardening, home and pet supplies. There are hundreds of beautiful accents for the home and out-of-doors, and Pasquesi Home and Gardens has an unrivaled collection of containers for indoors and outdoors in many different styles, materials and shapes. Both stores carry a wide range of quality garden tools and outdoor furniture.