How to Force Bulbs to Bloom
Most people wait until spring for their bulbs to bloom. Forcing bulbs to grow and bloom allows you to decorate your home with beautiful flowers even in the winter months. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Prepare ahead. If you want blooms by Christmas, begin preparation in early Fall. Because of the time it takes for bulbs to sprout and then bloom, plan on purchasing and growing the bulbs months before.
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Choose the bulbs. When picking bulbs for your garden, choose the ones that seem the healthiest. There should be no bruising or damage.
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Plant the water bulbs. Using glass containers that have a large opening and a wide base, fill the container with water. Now place the bulb on top of the container. The water should be touching the bottom of the bulb. Put the bulb and its container in a dark, cool place for the recommended amount of time. For example, hyacinth bulbs take about four to five weeks to sprout.
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Plant the container bulbs. Use a small planter and fill it with gravel. Place the bulb in the gravel. Allow the gravel to surround the bulb but leave the top uncovered. Fill the planter with water that covers the base of the bulb but does not cover it or pass 1/3 of the plant. Put the bulb and its container in a dark, cool place for the recommended amount of time. For example, a paperwhite bulb takes about two weeks to sprout.
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Keep the bulbs watered and moist, making sure the bulb is never submerged.
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As the bulbs begin to sprout and grow, move them to a well-lit location where they will receive plenty of sunshine. Even though the plants need the sunshine to grow quickly, make sure they stay cool.
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Tips & Warnings
Paperwhite, hyacinth and crocus bulbs produce lovely flowers that are easy to force bloom. Depending on the type of bulb you choose, there is a certain amount of time it needs to grow. Talk to the local nursery for guidance, but bulbs typically take two to eight weeks before they begin to sprout and grow stems.
