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Forcing spring bulbs to bloom a viable option

Those who didn’t plant their spring bulbs have two choices. One is to force them to bloom, the other is to put them in the compost pile as they will not be viable next fall.
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Winter has arrived.

Those who didn’t plant their spring bulbs have two choices. One is to force them to bloom, the other is to put them in the compost pile as they will not be viable next fall.

Forcing is an easy preferable option as it provides indoor flowers when outside is cold.

For those without extra bulbs, it is still possible to purchase spring bulbs at various outlets. Often at this time of year they will be in clearance or sales bins.

When purchasing bulbs for forcing, choose large, firm ones that are free of cuts and mould. The larger the bulb is for its variety, the easier it will be to force. Small bulbs might not have enough energy stored to produce a bloom.

Bulbs that are damaged are susceptible to disease, which will then spread to other bulbs.

Early blooming hyacinths, daffodils, tulips and crocuses are the bulbs very commonly forced.

Spring bulbs can be forced in a pot of soil or a special forcing jar. When using a pot, insure that it has good drainage holes.

Place a thin layer of moist soil on the bottom of the pot, then set the bulbs in pointy side up. Next, cover with more moist soil.

For a fuller display, add another layer of bulbs by positioning them between the tops of the first layer, then cover with more moist soil.

All bulbs should be partially covered with soil.

Once planted, place the container into a cardboard box or paper bag and close it. Place the package in a cool area, just above freezing. Cold rooms and refrigerators work well as long as they do not contain fruit that gives off ethylene gas. The gas inhibits the bulb’s bloom.

Periodically, every few weeks, open the bag or box and water the container if needed. Once the bulbs have a one-inch (2.5-cm) sprout, they should be taken out of cold storage and placed in an area that is bright but cool.

When the foliage turns from yellow to green, the pot can be moved to a warmer location into full sun. Placing the plants into a cooler area when they are in bloom will insure that the bloom lasts longer.

It is important to keep the soil moist but not saturated. If the soil becomes too dry, the flower buds die. A saturated soil will cause the bulbs to rot.

Forcing jars allow bulbs to be forced without using soil. The jar has a wide bottom for stability and a half-ball on top that holds the bulb. There are specific styles of jars for hyacinths and daffodils.

Place water in the bottom of the jar. It should come within an inch (2.5 cm) of the bottom of the half-circle. The bulb is then placed in the bulb holder, pointy side up. Once the bulb is placed in the jar, it will have the same requirements as potted bulb. If the forcing jar is clear, it is possible to watch the bulb’s roots develop.

The storage temperature and variety of bulb makes a difference in how long it takes the bulb from planting to bloom but expect it to take between six and 10 weeks.

Spring bulbs are easy to force into bloom at a time of year when the outside world is white and grey. If one has the time and correct environment, it is definitely worth the effort.

Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist who lives near Rocky Mountain House. She can be reached at www.igardencanada.com or your_garden@hotmail.com.