Force bulbs to grow and bloom indoors all winter by giving cool temperatures and plenty of water. Try growing paperwhites in a bowl of stones for ease and beauty.
When winter temperatures outside reach new lows and the garden is mostly a blanket of snow with some twigs sticking out, it can be nice to have a little color, a little something green growing inside. You can force bulbs to bloom inside, in the winter, for a little bonus indoor gardening. The term “force” means to create conditions that cause the bulb to grow and flower, outside of its normal cycle.
Generally, to force bulbs, you must give them the proper growing conditions. First, they must be given cool temperatures, approximately 35-48°F, and some darkness to mimic early spring. This can be accomplished by placing the bulbs, after they have been planted, in the refrigerator, unheated garage or outside, under a cold frame, for 6-10 weeks or so. After this time, sprouts should be appearing and the bulbs can be moved to a slightly warmer place, where temperatures average in the 50’s (for example, a hallway near a door). When the foliage becomes full and bulbs begin to form, plants may be moved to a warm, sunny spot to begin their flowering process, giving the indoor gardener a winter show of color! This works well for hyacinth (Hyacinthus sp.), daffodils (Narcissus sp.) and tulips (Tulipa sp.).
However, some bulbs need no chilling and can be a fast, easier way to add color and fragrance to the home in winter. For example, the paperwhite (Narcissus tazetta papyraceus) is about as easy as it comes, earning it the nickname of “Just Add Water”. Paperwhites can be planted in soil but are most often grown in pots or bowls, imbedded in stones or gravel, with water over the top. To plant in this way, fill the bottom of the container with the stones and place the bulbs on top, pointed ends facing up, next to each other but not touching. Add more stones in between the bulbs, until they are packed in tightly and covered to their shoulders. Pour enough water to cover the base of the bulbs and place somewhere cool to sprout. They don’t need light or very cold temperatures at this point so just about anywhere will do. Check their water level regularly and, when they have sprouted, move them to a sunny spot for all to enjoy! This method also works well for the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) and the dutch iris (Iris reticulate).
Most forced bulbs will do well when planted in the imbedded stone method described above but they may also be planted in a potting mix, so long as the mix is airy and offers lots of drainage. Bulbs planted indoors in pots need not be buried to the same depth that outdoor bulbs need. In fact, if the tips are poking out above the soil, that is just fine. Bulbs can be fed a little fertilizer as they begin to form buds.
Forcing bulbs can be a great way to keep your gardening skills sharp, while adding some life and color to the rooms of your home during the long, cold winter months.
