The Ultimate Guide to Forcing Spring Flower Bulbs

If you're the type to always have beautiful, fresh flowers around your home, then you're going to want to read this! Our friends at Porch have some tips for how you can fill your home with gorgeous Spring bouquets during the dreary Winter months.

In the midst of Winter, with its short, dark days and bitterly cold nights, it can seem as if Spring will never arrive. It can get a bit depressing when it seems like the only thing growing are all those piles of snow outside. A great way to combat these Winter doldrums is to force bulbs, a process in which you encourage flowers to bloom weeks or even months before they naturally would.

Forcing bulbs is a fun way to bring on spring and give yourself something to look forward to. Colorful flowers and sweet scents in the dead of winter? Bring it on! Source: Odd Loves Company

Bulb Forcing Basics
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Bulb Forcing Basics

Forcing bulbs is an art form, and if you follow directions carefully you will be rewarded. The process of forcing begins with chilling; bulbs are placed in the refrigerator or in a similar cool environment in order to mimic winter conditions, although some bulbs do not require this step. In general, bulbs will need to be chilled for a period of about eight to 16 weeks, depending on the plant.

After the required chilling period, move the plants to a warm and sunny area to encourage growth, being sure to care for them properly, for about two to three weeks. You will then be rewarded with beautiful blooms.

Best Bulbs for Forcing
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Best Bulbs for Forcing

In order to make sure that the force is with you, especially if you are new to this type of gardening, be sure to choose plants with a proven track record. Several types of flowers are especially good at being forced, including:

  • Daffodils: Try miniature versions for great blooms, and be sure they get lots of bright light. Chill time: 12 to 15 weeks. Bloom time: two to three weeks.
  • Amaryllis: These tall, white blooms grow in a watertight container with pebbles at the base. No chilling time required. Bloom time: six to eight weeks.
  • Tulips: They require a long chilling period. When planted, make sure the flat side of the bulb faces the outside of your container. Chill time: 10 to 16 weeks. Bloom time: two to three weeks.
  • Paperwhites: These fragrant narcissus can be started from October to January, in order to provide several batches of blooms. Place them in a tall container with pebbles and water. No chill time required. Bloom time: Four to six weeks.
  • Grape Hyacinth: Once this flower is done blooming, you can plant it outside and it will re-bloom the following spring. Chill time: eight to 15 weeks. Bloom time: two to three weeks.
  • Spring Crocus: This early spring bloomer can brighten your home in as few as six weeks. Chill time: eight to 15 weeks. Bloom time: two to three weeks.

This is just a sampling of flowers that are popular for forcing. Be sure to thoroughly research your chosen bloom to determine its required chilling time and planting needs.

Ready, Set, Force — 1. Chill
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Ready, Set, Force — 1. Chill

Once you have your bulbs, it's time to start the forcing process. As stated above, you'll begin with chilling if required, depending on the type of flower you are cultivating. Then you'll move the plant to a warm area where it will continue to grow and bloom.

You can chill the bulbs in your refrigerator, at a temperature of 35 to 45°F. Make sure they are not too close to fruits and vegetables, which can emit ethane gas that would hamper their development. You can also store them in an attic, basement or garage, making sure that the temperature is suitable. Basically, you are simulating winter conditions that these bulbs would be facing in nature. Length of time for chilling depends on the type of bulb you have chosen.

2. Plant
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2. Plant

Place bulbs in a shallow, wide pot that's about four to six inches deep and fill with a standard potting mix. Make sure there's about two inches below the bulb to allow for root growth. You can place as many bulbs as you'd like in a pot without touching, since they like to grow together. Make sure to stick to one variety of plant per pot, since chilling times vary.

Once the bulbs are potted, water them, label them and cover loosely with a paper bag. Check on them periodically, making sure that soil is damp. When chilling time is done and sprouts begin to emerge, it's time to move to a warm area.

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For plants that don't require a chilling time and are grown in water, the process is a bit different. Place bulbs in a tall, glass container, nestled in pebbles. Fill bottom of container with water, making sure it comes into contact with bottom of bulbs. Although these bulbs do not need chilling, they will do best in a cooler temperature — about 50°F. Once shoots begin to appear and the tallest one is a couple of inches long, move plant to a warm and bright area.

3. Grow
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3. Grow

Now comes the fun part — watching your flowers grow after their long period of hibernation. Place the pot in a sunny spot and keep soil moist. Once flowers begin to bloom, move the pot out of direct sunlight in order to make those blooms last longer.

Forcing spring flowers to bloom in the dead of winter is a great way to liven up your home and give you something special to look forward to. The more experienced you become, the more flowers you can work with, allowing you to turn your home into a stunning indoor garden.