November 27, 2006

Spring bulb planting season has now come and gone. Do you still have bulbs in your garage that you haven’t planted? If you are like me, you’ll answer yes. My garden ideas are always bigger than my garden time, just like my eyes are always bigger than my stomach. You still have options with your bulbs.

Forcing bulbs indoors is very rewarding and a great experience. By forcing bulbs, you’ll need to chill the bulbs for a certain time, and then plant up to enjoy their blooms indoors. Tulips, hyacinth, crocus, and daffodils are all bulbs that can be forced. Similar to all gardening, experience is gained by everything you do and forcing bulbs can be an experience one must try a couple times before it is perfected. I have to admit, I have tried, and I haven't always been the happiest with my results so give yourself a break and just give it a try.

Through my experience I've learned that the easiest bulb to force is the paper white. I’ve learned that all I need to do is put them in a pot of soil or a vase of water to have beautiful flowers throughout the winter.

Stop by Sargent’s on 2nd for paper white bulbs and the amaryllis bulb which is another easy one! Dressed up in a cute jar or elegant glass bowl both make wonderful holiday gifts for teachers, colleagues, and flower lovers of all kinds. The Sargent’s on 2nd staff will be happy to show you how. I’ll probably see you there.

Good online resources about forcing bulbs include:

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1116.html

http://www.psu.edu/ur/NEWS/news/bulbsindoors.html

Happy Gardening!

Wendy Jasper
Horticultural Advisor

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