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February 13, 2012
Forcing Spring Bulbs
Spring bulbs can be forced to bloom in the winter, just when their cheerful color is needed most. Follow these instructions for bulbs that bloom in February:
Planting Instructions
In September or October, select your bulbs to be planted. Remember that large bulbs tend to bloom better. Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are easy to force. Purchase enough bulbs to pack them tightly into your pots and containers.
Choose clean containers of plastic, clay, pottery or any other material suitable for growing plants. They should be at least 4 to 6 inches deep, with a drainage hole.
Place a 2 inch deep layer of good quality potting soil in the bottom of the pot. Press the bulbs into the soil, crowding them a little. Finish filling the pot with potting soil. Note: for forcing, the bulbs do not need to be as deep as you would normally place them in the garden. Usually just below the surface is sufficient. Water all planted pots.
Place planted pots in a cold, but protected location: buried in the garden and covered with straw, in a refrigerator, set in a cold frame, garden shed, or garage where temperatures will naturally chill but pots will not freeze solid.
After about 12 weeks, and as tips begin to emerge through the soil, bring a few pots in to a cool, but sunny room, water, and begin growing. They should bloom in another couple of weeks. When the flower buds are showing color, the plant is ready to be moved inside.
Note:
Deeper pots allow you to place several layers of bulbs in one pot: daffodils on the bottom, tulips in the middle, and crocus on top. Depending on when the bulbs would naturally bloom (early, mid, or late season) you can get a longer blooming display from one pot. To extend your bloom season, stagger your planting times.
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Just North of the Shoppes on Route 91 | 309.691.4561 | Contact Us
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