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The Master Gardener Articles
How Do I
Force Bulbs for Indoor Bloom in the Winter?
A few pots of forced bulbs for indoor bloom in winter is a great idea. "Forcing" is merely manipulating the growth cycle so bulbs bloom when you want them to. Many spring-flowering bulbs can be forced into bloom, but most commonly gardeners force hyacinth, grape hyacinth, tulip, daffodil, and crocus bulbs. Choose top-sized bulbs, and select those cultivars that catalogs and garden center displays indicate are best for forcing.
Almost any clay or plastic container will work for forcing as long as it has drainage holes. Use a soil mix of equal parts soil, sphagnum peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite so that the mix drains well. Fill the container(s) about three-quarters full of mix, then plant the bulbs. Generally, 6-7 daffodil or tulip, 3 hyacinth, or 12-15 crocus bulbs will fill a 6" pot. Arrange bulbs so they are close together, but not touching. Fill in with remaining mix; the tips of bulbs may not be covered. Water the container thoroughly. Make sure to label the pot with the bulb's name and the date planted.
Now place the container(s) in a dark, cool (40 degrees F) location, but don't
allow them to freeze. A spare refrigerator, an unheated garage, a shaded
window well, or a cold frame would work well. Containers can also be placed
in a trench dug in the ground (to the depth of the containers) and covered
with leaves or straw. Make sure containers don't dry out, especially those
stored in a refrigerator. Crocus, daffodil, grape hyacinth, and tulip bulbs
require about 15 weeks of cold treatment, while hyacinths require about 12-13
weeks. At the end of this time period, the root systems should have filled
the container and be growing out of the pot's drainage hole. If so, the bulbs
are ready to force into bloom.
OSU Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, age, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Director, OSU Extension TDD No. 800-589-8292 ( Ohio only) or 614-292-1868.
Revised November, 2006