Gardeners’ Forum: “forcing bulbs”
Back to Gardeners’ Forumforcing bulbs
Posted by Cathy on Monday, October 15, 2001 7:22 am ADTCan someone tell me how to force bulbs, tulips also along with other bulbs ? I would like to know the aftercare of such too
re: forcing bulbs
Posted by Lois on Thursday, November 15, 2001 3:43 pm ASTSelect a container that is at least twice as deep as the height of the bulbs. Shallow, heavy containers will not topple as readily as high containers. If you are planting your bulbs in potting mix, your pot must have drainage holes. Fill pot with mix (at least 2 for root growth). When bulbs are placed on this layer, their tops should be even with the rim of the pot. Use several bulbs for an attractive display. Cover with potting mix and water in to settle. Cooling/Rooting Period: Place pots in a cool (45F, 7C), dark place for 6 to 15 weeks, depending on the variety. Soil must be kept moist and should not be allowed to freeze during this time. A refrigerator, root cellar, or cool basement is fine. Remove pots from cold storage when the appropriate time has passed or when white roots are showing through drainage holes or stems are 2 high. Forcing Blooms: Most types of bulbs will bloom 3 to 4 weeks after you bring your bulbs into a warm, bright room. Pots should be kept at 60F/15C with indirect sunlight for one week. Move pots to a warmer room (68 F/20C), with direct sunlight until buds take on color. Return plants to indirect light and cooler temperatures to help blooms last longer. After blooming, hardy bulbs can be planted into your garden where they will bloom again in a year or two. Easiest Bulbs for Forcing *Large Flowered Crocus: Use at least 15 bulbs per container. They require a 12-15 week cold rooting period. Crocus can be forced in water. *Hyacinths: Hyacinths are often forced singly in glass forcing vases using only water. They can also be potted up in groups. Either way give them 4 to 8 weeks in a cool, dark place before forcing. *Iris: Dwarf Iris are suitable for forcing, especially Iris reticulata and Iris danfordiae. Place in cold treatment for 8-12 weeks. These species can handle very cold temperatures. When you take these out of cold treatment be sure to keep temperatures below 65F or they may not bloom. *Tulips: Tulips require a long (12-15 weeks), even cold treatment. Plant with flat side of bulb facing rim of pot for a more attractive display. Early, shorter varieties are the easiest to force. *Daffodils: Plant in larger, deeper pots to accommodate long, heavy roots. Place in cold treatment for 12 to 16 weeks. Daffodils need very bright, direct sunlight to bloom properly. *Scilla and Grape Hyacinths: Cool for 10- 16 weeks. Use lots per pot.
