Forcing Bulbs for Indoor Bloom

Tender Bulbs
Paperwhites can be grown in pebbles and water or any loose potting soil. To grow in water place decorative pebbles in the bottom of a shallow container without holes. Set the bulbs closely together on top of the pebbles. Add water until barely touching the bottom of the bulbs. Maintain this water level throughout their growth period. Place enough additional stones around the bulbs to hold them in place.

For planting in soil choose a 3-4 inch deep container with drainage holes. Fill with moistened soil mix and plant bulbs with tops exposed. Set in a cool dark spot for a week for the roots to begin growth, then transfer to a bright spot for blooming. They should bloom in three to five weeks. Paperwhite blooms last longer if plants are kept in cooler (60 – 65 degree) temperatures. After blooming, discard plants.

Amaryllis is a fast blooming large bulb that produces up to four dramatic flowers on a single stem. To plant, place the bulb in a 6 inch pot partially filled with potting soil, leaving the upper third of the bulb exposed. Water thoroughly after planting, then lightly thereafter to maintain a slightly moist condition until bulb flowers. Initially grow at 70 to 75 degrees until the bulb roots and leaves appear. Thereafter, cooler temperatures (60 to 65 degrees) in a brightly lit spot will promote stocky growth and longer flowering. The amaryllis should bloom within six to eight weeks after planting.

Amaryllis can be kept for reblooming. Cut the flower stalk off after the flower fades. Keep watering and fertilize at half the recommended rate every 2 or 3 weeks. In late spring after danger of frost, bury the pot outdoors in an east– facing location or continue growing on indoors or on a porch. Reduce watering as leaves yellow in late summer. Bring back inside in September to a cool (55 degree) dark location for 8 to 10 weeks. After 2 months of rest, begin watering again and place in a sunny spot for a repeat of last year’s show!

Hardy Bulbs
Hardy bulbs require a chilling period in order to bloom. Hyacinths, miniature daffodils, grape hyacinths and large flowered crocus are the easiest hardy bulbs to force. Plant bulbs closely together in soil mix in containers with drainage holes. Tips of hyacinths and daffodils should be showing above the soil line. Crocuses and grape hyacinths should be planted one inch below the soil surface.

Water containers thoroughly until evenly moist. Now place the bulbs in a refrigerator for cooling. Don’t place bulbs near fruit, which produces ethylene gas that inhibits flower formation. Crocus, hyacinth and grape hyacinths need 6-8 weeks of cooling while daffodils need 10-12 weeks. Once the roots have developed and shoots appear, bring the pots gradually into a cool, sunny location. You should have blooms within 3 or 4 weeks.

Allisonville Nursery
garden center, garden gifts, landscaping
11405 Allisonville Road
Fishers, IN 46038

Phone 317.849.4490
Fax 317.849.5948

We are not a mailorder nursery. Plants and products are
available for pick-up at our Fishers, Indiana location.

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