Planting Bulbs for Forcing

Growing bulbs inside is one of my great joys of winter. I scour store sales and garage sales for containers to plant various bulbs in to give as holiday gifts. There is nothing like the cheer of an amaryllis, daffodil, or a little antique teacup filled with lily of the valley to perk up a gray day! And, best of all, it is easy. Bulbs that I have enjoyed planting inside include amaryllis, daffodils, tulips, paper whites, crocus, hyacinth, and lily of the valley. The more commonly available bulbs are lovely and adapt to a variety of indoor conditions obligingly. However, the list of plants that can be forced into bloom goes beyond this. Calla lilies, oxalis, grape hyacinth, freesia, and ranunculus are a few that you can try. You may need to read up on the preferred conditions of some of the less common bulbs and plants. It may be necessary to use a thermometer to check the temperature of the location that you would like to place a bulb for forcing. Some bulbs and plants may require cooler or warmer locations that you have conveniently available. Most bulbs require a chilling period of up to six weeks before growing them. I have a spare refrigerator that I run on a low temperature for drinks and bulbs. When I do this, I store the bulbs in a box with barely moist peat moss so they do not touch each other in storage. Alternatively, you could pot them up and keep them outside in a protected area covered with mulch or in a cold frame type structure for a few weeks. Stagger bringing them in so you will have a winter of flowers. As long as you are potting up bulbs, you could try growing grass seed in interesting pots to add life to a coffee table or shelf. If you want it for a particular time, allow about two weeks to grow the grass.

For more information, please see Penn State Consumer Horticulture.

Penn State Horticulture Department

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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