Forcing bulbs can be done any time throughout the year but you have to remember that you will need to simulate winter and then spring. Bulbs are planted, winterized and then brought out into 'spring' for flowering.
All types of bulbs can be used for forcing such as hyacinths, tulips, daffodils, crocus, dwarf iris and scilla. There are also kits of paperwhites and amaryllis bulbs available at garden gift shops or garden centres.
First choose the bulbs and an appropriate pot to plant them in. If you use a plastic pot, when 'spring' comes, hide the pot in a pretty basket or glazed ceramic pot. Put as many bulbs that will fit into your pot without touching each other. Use a good peat-based potting soil. Water well and then put the pot into a box or dark closet in the garage or shed, as long as it does not freeze. Keep the soil moist, not wet or the bulbs will rot. Check them once a week and when the time is up (see chart below) or there are shoots about 1.5" showing then 'spring' has arrived. Move the pot inside and place in a cool spot, away from direct sun, until the shoots have changed to green and buds or leaves are showing. If you used a plastic pot, now is the time to put it in a basket or glazed pot and display them anywhere in your home for flowering.
Bulb Plant Depth Winter 35-48F(2-9C) Spring 50-55F(10-13C)
Tulips plant with tip showing 14-17 weeks winter 2-4 weeks spring
Crocus plant 1" deep 12-15 weeks winter 2-3 weeks spring
Hyacinth plant with tip showing 11-15 weeks winter 2-3 weeks spring
Daffodils plant 1" deep 12-15 weeks winter 2-4 weeks spring
Scilla plant 1" deep 10-12 weeks winter 2-4 weeks spring
If you have a favorite flower and would like to try forcing it just follow the simple steps - plant, water, imitate a cold winter and spring. If you want more bulb ideas take a look in the garden gift stores or garden centres and look for 'good for forcing' on the packages. Try it, you'll like it.
Lynne Chrismas is a Master Gardener and owner of Vancouver landscape design/maintenance company, Mayday Gardens. |
