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Forcing Winter Bulbs Brings Spring Here Sooner

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties DC AB15253

 

 
Here in Bethesda Maryland it seems that it has rained non stop all fall!  I keep predeicting in dire tones that this winter is going to be just as snowy as the fall has been rainy.  Actually I don't think that a snowy winter means a bleak winter, but to some people it does.  
Whether you are one of those people or not, you should consider getting ready to fight the short winter days and dark nights by bringing in a little bit of spring with forced bulbs.. This "force" -- stimulating bulbs with cold temperatures so they'll bloom indoors at other than their normal time -- will bring warm colors and sweet smells indoors when it's frigid and barren outside.
If you get ready now, you will have wonderful flowers just in time for the December holidays!  If you just moved into a new home, it is an easy way to fill up some of the empty spaces. 
  1. First You Want to Chill Bulbs. You should plan on chilling the bulbs to a  "refrigerator-like temperature" in some place like a cool garage, unheated basement and or shaded cold frame. 

  2. Schedule your blooms.  Plan for when you want your bulbs to bloom before you force them. While all bulbs have different forcing temperatures and rates, the following timetable will help you plan your forcing schedule: 

    • For flowers in January, plant in September or early October
    • For flowers in February, plant early- to mid-October
    • For later flowers, plant in October or early November
  3. Rocks in Your Vase, Not in Your Head. Use a vase wherewith the bottom third  filled with rocks and the rest filled with water. Once that's done, place the vase in a refrigerator until you see the bulb sprout roots and leaves. 

  4. Put a Smile in Your Life. Once the bulb sprouts roots and grows leaves, you should take it out of the refrigerator and put it in the window. The light will help the bulb send up its leaves and flowers. To ensure straight stems, water frequently and turn your pots occasionally so that the plant won't bend toward the sunlight. 
 

Comments (2)

Faith LaRosse
Springer Realty Group - Limerick, PA
Serving Berks, Chester & Montgomery Counties

Lisa, thank you so much for your post- I've always wanted to try this!  Now is the time, thank you for the how-tos!

Oct 13, 2011 02:17 PM
Ellie McIntire
Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate - Ellicott City, MD
Luxury service in Central Maryland

The daffodil is my favorite flower, but every year I always forget to plant them in the fall. This is a great checklist to follow- even though I wish I had used the past few days to plant them.

Nov 10, 2011 12:50 AM