Planters

Forcing Bulbs

This project is forcing bulbs for blooms in the winter months. There are two ways to do this. First is the easy way. Buy Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs or Amaryllis bulbs; plant them in small stones (like aquarium rock) or in potting soil, and water. Within a week or so you will see growth of leaves.

The second way takes longer, but also produces wonderful flowers. You will need:

	Refrigerator space - free from fruit, especially apples. They give off a gas that keeps bulbs from blooming.
	Bulbs recommended for forcing (check the Hyacinth, crocus, tulips, daffodils, etc.).
	Vases or pots that hold water. If you can’t find vases specifically for forcing, make a frame of Popsicle sticks tied together to form a square that fits on the vase and will hold the bottom of the bulb barely in contact with the water.
	Patience. Put the bulbs on the vases (one bulb per vase) and refrigerate for 12-14 weeks. During this time make certain that the bulb’s bottom is in contact (barely) with the water. Keep the vases full at all times! During these weeks, the bulbs will develop roots growing into the water. Remember, the bulb must be in contact with water. Just putting a bulb in a bag in the refrigerator doesn’t work (believe me, I tried it once). After the 12-14 weeks (better to error on the long side), remove the vases and place in a sunlit window. Within a few weeks the bulb will sprout and bloom. Crocus blooms are so fun to do this way. Hyacinth smell wonderful.

It’s fun to do some of each method. If you start your paper whites, etc. now, they will bloom quickly. Then later you can enjoy the other bulbs after the holidays. Maybe you will force red tulips for Valentine’s Day! I tend to get my refrigerated bulbs started soon after Thanksgiving (takes that long to finish those apples from the orchard and all the Thanksgiving goodies). It can be a bit of an inconvenience in the refrigerator, but look forward to those flowers. I hope you enjoy this project and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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