by SRekha

Created on: February 24, 2010   Last Updated: February 25, 2010

Forcing spring bulbs is creating natural outdoor conditions to flower bulbs in bleak winters. This method provides colorful blooming flowers in the home during any season. Thus, in simple terms, making the flowers bloom earlier than their regular season is called forcing bulbs. It is easy to force spring bulbs and it can be a fun activity for the entire family.

One need not buy forced bulbs in the stores or nurseries anymore. It is such an easy and can be easily done at home. Bulbs can be planted in any kind of pots with nutrient rich and high quality soil. Cover the planted bulb roots with some water to keep them moist. Such bulbs need to be kept in an area which is less bright like a garage, cellar or a refrigerator.  Hyacinth glasses are made to force bulbs in a cool and dark area. Bigger container can force bulbs indoors into a colorful bouquet. It is important to make a hole at the pot's bottom before placing the bulbs.

The kind of soil used to force the bulbs also matters a lot. One can also use the soil-less potting mix or make the best soil mix to force the bulbs.  This should contain equal amounts of soil, spaghnum moss, and vermiculite.

For keeping the bulbs wet and moist, little amount of water should be poured every day. Some of the bulbs like Narcissus do not need soil or plant food. They can be planted in any container with some water and pebbles. Bulbs thus stored in the cool location would take 12 to 17 weeks for visible growth depending on their variety. They can then be shifted to a lighted area to bloom in a time period of two weeks to a month.

The forced bulbs cannot bloom for two years consecutively. Hence, you can plant them outdoors to give them some relief. Some of the hybrid spring bulbs are available in various colors like violet, pink, white and lavender. Some bulbs like hyacinths, tulips, daffodils are easy to force. When you force the bulbs indoors, they add a pleasing and beautiful touch to the room.

Forcing spring bulbs need not be restricted to people living in independent homes, villas and have a garden or lawn. It is also possible to force spring bulbs in apartments. People who live in an apartment can force spring bulbs in a container filled with water and pebbles and place them near a window which gets proper sunlight. You can see the bulbs bloom in a couple of days.

Learn more about this author, SRekha.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.