How to Force Bulbs to Flower

Although flowers that grow from bulbs typically bloom in the spring, there are ways to force them to bloom during the winter as well. The key to forcing a bulb to bloom is to create conditions that mimic spring to hasten the natural growth process of the bulbs. By forcing blooms in this manner, you can have beautiful flowers indoors all winter long.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soap
• Water
• Bleach
• Bulbs
• Refrigerator
• Pot
• Soil

1. Prepare to plant the flower bulbs during the fall, ideally during the months of October or November.

2. Prepare a plastic or clay pot for planting by sterilizing it. Sterilizing is done by thoroughly washing the pot with soap and water, and then rinsing it with a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Allow the pot to dry thoroughly.

3. Fill the pot with soil and plant the flower bulbs at the very top of the soil with the pointed tip of the flower bulb poking out through the soil. Do not completely cover the bulb with soil.

4. Water flower bulbs thoroughly after planting.

5. Place the flower bulbs in a cold location that is kept at a temperature of approximately 40 degrees. You can place the flower bulbs outside if the temperatures in your area are cold enough. Otherwise, you will need to place them in a refrigerator. The bulbs must be kept at a temperature of 40 degrees for ten to fifteen weeks.

6. Starting at ten weeks, check the bottom of the pots to see if roots of the flower are starting to grow. If roots have not yet begun to grow, place the bulbs back into the cold area.

7. Bring the pots and bulbs into a cool location inside the home or garage. The location also needs to receive a lot of sunlight.

8. Water the plants regularly and blooms should appear within three to four weeks.