If you want to force bulbs to bloom indoors for the holidays, it's time to think about getting started. Bulbs such as paperwhites that don't require chilling make it easy, but you can also use hardy bulbs that are usually planted outdoors, such as tulips and daffodils. The trick is to provide the bulbs with a period of cooling -- a fake winter.
Here are the basic steps.
1.
Give bulbs excellent drainage or they'll rot. Line pot bottoms with gravel and use a soil mix recommended for seedlings (or mix your own).
2.
Pack bulbs closely with the tips facing up and 1 1/2 inches beneath the soil.
3.
Store potted bulbs in a cool, dark place between 30 and 50 degrees, such as a garage, basement or refrigerator, but not a freezer. Cover pots with newspapers to keep out light. Or you can set out potted bulbs in cold frames and cover with 6 inches of mulch. Water lightly. Keep small bulbs in the dark for six to 10 weeks; larger bulbs, for 10 to 14 weeks.
4.
Remove covering and move pots to a cool place with indirect light when shoots are about 2 inches high (less for smaller bulbs such as crocuses). At first, shoots will be very pale, even yellow.
5.
As buds appear, move pots to bright light, but where night temperatures are still cool (50 to 65 degrees). Once flowers appear, bulbs can go anywhere, but they'll last longer out of direct heat.
For a succession of bloom,
don't take all the bulbs out of cold storage at once. It won't hurt them to be left in the dark longer.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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