DIY Forced Bulbs For Winter Blooms

We have already covered that it’s time to get your bulbs in the ground outside for spring blooms, but maybe you’re like me and are impatient. Spring is pretty far off and it would be great to be able to enjoy some blooms in the winter. Well, there is a way! You can force bulbs to bloom in the winter indoors. You just have to trick them a bit.

All you need are pots, some Amaryllis bulbs(or other warm loving bulbs, paperwhites are another great indoor option), and potting mix. The pot you use for your bulb should not be much larger than the bulb itself, unless you want to plant a bunch in on container.

Directions

1. Choose a plump bulb that has some roots at the base and a pot that is just large enough for bulb (or bulbs) — the bulb needs to feel crowded to bloom.

2. Partially fill the pot with potting mix, then position the bulb so that the top third is exposed after

you add more potting soil. Water thoroughly and make sure the water drains from the pot.

3.  Place the pot in bright light and keep the soil moist but not wet. Water only when the top inch

or two of the potting mix is dry to the touch. Over watering at the beginning of the growth cycle

is the main cause of failure.

Tips

The bulb should be kept at room temperature, above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmer the temperature (70 to 80 degrees is ideal), the faster the bulb will sprout and grow. Watering with warm water or providing bottom heat (by setting the pot on a propagation mat or on the top of a refrigerator or warm appliance) may help stimulate growth. Amaryllis plants are tropical so they like the warmth.

Within two to eight weeks, a thick flower stalk should shoot up. Flat leaves will follow as the flower stalk grows. Some varieties of Amaryllis take more time to sprout than others, so be patient. Check to make sure that the bulb has remained firm, and do not overwater.

Rotate the pot slightly every few days so that the flower stalk receives consistent exposure on all sides and thus grows straight. Move the plant out of direct sunlight when the flower buds begin to show color.

Having a bunch of these beauties can really be a ray of sunshine in the dark winter months. They also make great gifts for that holiday that I shall not name yet.

It’s Time To Plant Some Bulbs

Winter can seem like it lasts forever(and it hasn't even started yet). When those spring bulbs start to pop up, it gives us hope that winter is almost over. Now is the time to get those bulbs in the ground so we can enjoy them in the spring. Different bulbs bloom at different times ranging from as early as February and going through June. It’s nice to have a variety so you have bulbs popping up all season.

Some nice varieties to choose from:

Early Bloomers

Crocus chrysanthus, Snow Crocus

Galanthus, Snowdrop

Mid-Season

Daffodils

Narcissus Fidelity

There are so many types of daffodils and tulips. Some varieties bloom early such as, Narcissus 'Tahiti', some mid-season such as Narcissus Fidelity, and some are late bloomers such as Narcissus bulbocodium 'Golden Bells'.

Tulips

Tulip 'Veronique Sanson'

Tulips also have a range of bloom times depending on the variety.

Late Season

Lilium asiatic 'Elodie', Lilies

Allium 'Globemaster', Alliums

I wish these were everywhere I went.

Planting

When choosing your bulb layout, keep in mind the bloom times, colors, and heights. If you have different types blooming at the same time, you don’t want the shorter ones to be hidden.

Most bulbs prefer an area of full sun.

The rule of thumb for planting depth is digging a hole 3x the height of the bulbs. You can layer your bulbs depending on their size and bloom times as well.

Add soil amendment and cover bulbs. You may want to plant annuals over bulbs for extra frost protection.