Forcing Bulbs for Spring Beauty in Winter

If you live anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, you've probably seen them at your local grocery store, co-op, home improvement or gardening supply store; small pots with daffodils, Paper White Narcissus, crocuses or hyacinths, either blooming or with buds about to burst into flower. It's a lovely, fun way, to bring some bright spring color into a winter home as a reminder that spring really is on the way. Paper Whites and Hyacinths, in addition to their attractive colored blossoms, are also scented.

"Forcing bulbs" refers to potting bulbs in planting soil, and growing them indoors, where you have some control over the climate, and thus encouraging the bulbs to think it's time to bloom. You've probably seen those lovely, very large and bright colored Amaryllis bulbs that are often sold in kits around Thanksgiving. The idea is to start the bulb then, so that it is in full glorious bloom at Christmas. You can do the same thing with bulbs that bloom in spring. In fact, if you start right away, you have a good chance of a lovely Easter centerpiece.

You can certainly pick up a few pre-plated bulbs that are ready to go, but it's also a lot of fun to carefully transplant a few pre-potted bulbs into a large planter or attractive container; just be sure to use something with good drainage, and that you have plenty of extra potting soil on hand. For instance, I love to combine the miniature tete-a-tete daffodils with Hyacinths, and create a colorful arrangement in a larger planter.

It's pretty simple to pot and force the bulbs yourself though. There are lots of kits, or you can simply buy a few bulbs, some pots, and some potting soil. With a little timing, you can create a perfect Valentines or Mother's Day gift. You want to plant the bulbs base down, and leave the pointed end, where the stems and leaves will emerge, protruding a bit above the soil. Water the pot throughly, so that the soil is moist but not dripping (you might do this in your sink). Place the potted bulbs near a window or other light source. Check them every day; you don't want the soil to be dry and keep it moistened. Be sure that you have something under the pot to catch drips. Once the bulbs start to bloom, move them away from bright light, so they don't get "cooked," which can shorten their blooming period.

Don't forget after-bloom care, which will allow you to force the bulbs again next year.