Forcing Bulbs
by Mystify on Jul 09, 2009 with 9 Comments
For those that want to know how to force bulbs to flower at different times of the year rather then the normal flowering time.
In order to introduce unseasonal flowering(forcing)pot up bulbs such as hyacinths in early autumn,provided they are given a long enough chilling period they should bloom around Christmas time.
- Keep them in the dark for 8-10 weeks,either plunged outdoors or in a cold place indoors such as a refrigerator,until flower buds appear. Use bulb fibre which is free draining to prevent stagnation and leave each bulbs nose just poking above the surface to ensure they feel the cool temperature. For hygiene purposes I cover my pots with a plastic bag, although it does have another benefit,it keeps the compost moist but if going with this method be sure to check bulbs weekly for signs of rotting and of course to provide some ventilation.
- After the 10 weeks are up time, keep indoors in a cold room at about 10 to 15 Celsius(50-59 Fahrenheit),gradually increasing the temperature to 20-23 Celsius(68-73 Fahrenheit)as the flower buds develop,kept too warm or dry flowers may not open.
- Once flowers have died back,return the bulbs to a bulb frame and plant them outdoors in the spring. Prepared bulbs are also avaiable;these are specially treated bulbs to bear flowers earlier than forced bulbs.
Recommended Bulbs For Forcing:
- Anemone blanda
- Crocus laevigatus
- Eranthus hyemalis
- Galanthus navalis
- Iris reticulata
- Iris danfodia
- Hyacinth (All hyacinths are great for forcing)
- Narcissus cantabricus
- Narcissus “Cedric Morris’
- Narcissus ‘February Gold’
- Narcissus ‘February Silver’
- Narcissus ‘Tete-a-tete’
- Muscari (All Muscari is great for forcing)
- Scilla bifolia
- Scilla mischtschenkoana
More Gardening Articles By Mystify
Beautiful Fall Blooming Perennials
Beautiful Fall Flowering Shrubs
Preparation For Perennials In The Spring
Gardening With Long Term Herbs
How To Utilize Space For A Small Garden
How To Prepare Your Garden For The Winter
Create Your Very Own Rock Garden
Popular Garden Plants and Their Meanings
How To Grow And Care For Perennials
Essential Fall Gardening (September Tasks)
Winter Care For Your Greenhouse
Essential Fall Gardening (October Tasks)
Copyright © 2008 Tanya Kime-Wallace
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Published in: Gardening
ken bultman | Jul 9, 2009 | Reply
Thorough and informative as usual from my favorite gardening source.
Mystify | Jul 9, 2009 | Reply
Thanks very much ken
.I have to fix this the messed up the look of my photos,they were supposed to be sidebyside and the same height and width.
Darla Smith | Jul 9, 2009 | Reply
Very informative.
Johanny Lisbeth | Jul 9, 2009 | Reply
my grandma would love this!!! well done, i really like it
Sheila M | Jul 9, 2009 | Reply
Ya know I love plants and gardening but I do NOT have a green thumb ~ thank you for this
clay hurtubise | Jul 9, 2009 | Reply
You planted some good ideas!
Thanks,
clay
Ruby Hawk | Jul 9, 2009 | Reply
iris is my favorite, especially the purple.interesting information.
To all my friends. I can’t get a comment in on any of the new switch over sites. I tried on Lindalulu’s 7 times. I only had three comments on my latest article, also. I’m sure that’s the reason. I see some of you are getting comments in.I hope they have it fixed soon.
Mystify | Jul 10, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for your comments everyone,I really apreciate them
Francy | Jul 13, 2009 | Reply
very informative.
keep sharing.