How to Plant Bulbs for Christmas
Changing the growth pattern of bulbs to get them to bloom at Christmastime is called forcing. It's a simple process that doesn't take much preparation or skill. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose an appropriate flowerpot for the bulb you want to plant. Different bulbs prefer to be buried in different amounts of soil, but a good rule of thumb is to use a pot that is approximately twice as tall as the bulb you are going to force.
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Fill the pot 3/4 full with potting soil. Place the bulb in the middle of the soil and continue to fill the pot until the bulb is covered to its shoulders. The bulb should be about 1/3 above the edge of the pot when you are finished.
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Water the soil. Keep it moderately wet, but do not overwater. Do not pour water directly on the bulb.
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Place the pot in a room that is 70 to 75 degrees F and continue watering as needed. Sprinkle a slow-release fertilizer on the soil to keep the plant fed for several months, or pour water-soluble fertilizer twice a month instead.
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Move the plant out of direct sunlight to a slightly cooler area once it begins to bloom.
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Cut the bloom from the stalk with pruning shears once the bloom has died. The stalk and leaves will eventually die as well. The bulb can then be removed from the pot and kept in a cool place (40 to 45 degrees F) until you are ready to plant it again.
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Tips & Warnings
The amaryllis bulb, a popular flower for Christmas, is the easiest to grow and normally blooms in eight weeks.
Narcissus or paper whites can be grown in water. Cover the bulbs 1/3 of the way with pebbles or small rocks, then place the pot in a dark, cool place until the bulbs start to grow.
Some bulbs can take as long as 18 weeks to mature and require a cold period (hibernation) before they are ready to plant.
Paper whites have a strong, sweet aroma. If Christmas guests are prone to migraine headaches or allergies, you may need to remove the flowers.
