Forcing bulbs in winter is a great way to bring a touch of spring into the house, just when you need it. Forcing bulbs is easy to do and now’s the time to get started. You’ll need a container, some potting soil, bulbs, bulb fertilizer and a cool spot to store the bulbs once they’re planted.
Begin by selecting a container. Tulips and daffodils will grow equally well in clay, ceramic or plastic pots, as long as the pot has drainage.
Next, choose the bulbs you want to force. Bulbs should be firm and tan to white in color. Be sure to take a label while you’re at it, so you’ll remember the bulb variety. Fill your container about two thirds full of quality potting soil.
Add Dutch Bulb Food to your potting mix and you’re ready to plant. Position the bulbs close together, but not touching each other.
Tulips should be placed with the flat side of the bulb toward the edge of the container. This will allow the first leaves to form a nice border around the edge of the pot.
Fill in enough soil so just the tips are showing. Water the soil, then place the pot in a cool (35°-45°), dark spot such as a spare refrigerator, unheated garage or basement. Spring flowering bulbs require ten to twelve weeks in cold storage in order to bloom. While the bulbs are chilling, they will form roots, so it’s important to water regularly. After the roots have formed, you’ll see the tips begin to grow. Once the bulb tips are about two inches high, remove the container from cold storage and place in a warm room, with bright, indirect sunlight.
Your bulbs can now be treated as any houseplant; water regularly, feed every two weeks and enjoy your blooms! After blooming, remove the spent flowers, but leave the foliage intact. Bulbs may be planted outside after blooming, once the weather warms up.
No comments:
Post a Comment