How to Force Spring Flowering Bulbs

Forcing spring bulbs is a very rewarding winter gardening project. By mimicking the transition from winter to spring, you encourage bulbs to bloom indoors weeks or months before they would outdoors. 

Forcing encourages bulbs to bloom indoors earlier than they naturally would. The process is simple and works for nearly all spring-flowering bulbs, including tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils.

First, choose a container to grow your bulbs in. Bulbs will do equally well in clay, ceramic, or plastic pots, as long as the pot has drainage.

Next, choose your bulbs. Tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils respond well to forcing.  Note: amaryllis and paperwhites are popular holiday bulbs that do not need a chilling-off period to bloom.

Fill the container about 3/4s full of quality potting soil, then add some Dutch Bulb Food to your potting mix. Bulbs that are forced can be planted outside after blooming, and the fertilizer will give them an extra boost.

Place the bulbs close together but make sure they're not touching each other. Tulip bulbs should be positioned 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. Place the pot in a cool (35°-45°), dark spot such as a spare refrigerator, unheated garage or basement. Spring flowering bulbs require 12 to 15 weeks of cold storage to bloom.

While the bulbs are chilling, they will form roots, so it’s important to water regularly. Once the tips of the bulbs are about 2” high, remove from cold storage and place in a warm room, with bright, indirect sunlight.

Treat your bulb garden like your other houseplants: water regularly and remove faded flowers after blooming. Forcing bulbs brings a touch of spring color indoors while winter lingers outside.