I would like to plant some bulbs in pots for bloom this winter. What special treatment is needed in order to bloom inside my home?
Most bulbs need to be cooled for about 12 weeks after planting in order to bloom, but a few require no special treatment.
Tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths and grape hyacinths are best for forcing with a cold treatment and all can be grown in a pot. The best tulips for forcing are the triumph strain, which have medium-height stems. Read labels or ask for the varieties that are best for indoor flowering.
Almost any daffodil can be forced into bloom. Varieties such as King Alfred and Golden Harvest are some of the best. Miniature daffodils can also be grown in pots.
Hyacinths are the most fragrant of bulbs. Single bulbs can be forced in a special hyacinth glass that has a lower chamber for roots and water and an upper one for the bulb. Hyacinths can also be bloomed with several bulbs planted in a pot.
Smaller spring bulbs can be grown in 4-inch pots, but the larger ones need a 6-inch or larger pot.
Fill pots with potting soil, leaving an inch or more at the top. Then place bulbs close together, but not quite touching. They should be almost completely covered with just the tips showing at the soil surface. After potting and watering so that some water drains from the bottom of the pots, place bulbs in a cool, dark place for about 12 weeks or until sprouting has started. The ideal temperature is 40 to 50 degrees, which is the normal temperature of a refrigerator. An extra refrigerator used for summer drinks would be ideal so bulbs can be kept in the dark. Check pots regularly and water as needed. You will notice roots at the drain holes and tops will begin to sprout when it is time to bring bulbs into the light and room temperature.
Use different kinds of bulbs or make multiple plantings at three-week intervals to spread out the blooming period.
Paper white narcissus bulbs are precooled and ready to be planted without any special treatment. They bloom in clusters of tiny, fragrant, daffodil-like flowers in either white or yellow and are often planted in bowls or relatively shallow containers with just enough gravel or pebbles to hold them upright. They can be planted in deeper pots also — just place the containers in a sunny area and keep them watered. They will bloom without any further treatment in about four to six weeks. I start mine in a sunny, west-facing window in the basement where temperature is in the low 60s. They develop a nice, compact shape. As soon as I see flower buds, I bring them upstairs into the main living area. If started in a warmer area, they grow taller and will need to be supported.
You can also plant bulbs in tubs or larger pots for bloom on your deck or patio. Cover bulbs with an inch of soil. They will bloom at about the same time as bulbs planted directly into the ground.
