Update Location
Enter a ZIP code to get product recommendations and information tailored to your area.
FORCE BULBS FOR HOLIDAY BLOOMING
Two methods of planting bulbs for holiday blooming
Forcing is the process of speeding up the bulb's development by simulating the conditions of winter and spring for indoor blooms. The most common bulbs to force are daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, crocus, paperwhites (narcissus), and amaryllis.
It takes only a couple of weeks to fill your house with their wonderful beauty and fragrance. Forced paperwhites and amaryllis also make terrific holiday gifts.
These two methods work for all the bulbs mentioned. Soil provides a more complete growing medium with necessary nutrients for the bulb to develop roots and flowers, whereas gravel primarily acts as a support structure to hold the bulb upright while allowing the roots to access water directly.
TO FORCE BULBS IN GRAVEL
This method is especially recommended for bulbs such as daffodils, paperwhites, and hyacinth that can be forced in water. Unlike soil, the gravel acts mainly as a support structure and provides fast results with minimal root development.
- Fill a bowl, compote, or other attractive vessel with pea gravel. It should be deep enough to accommodate the depth of the bulbs with some gravel in the bottom and does not need a drainage hole.
- Place the bulbs in the gravel with growth end up, nestling the root ends in the gravel as close together as you like (they can be touching.)
- Sprinkle more gravel around the bulbs, leaving the “shoulders“ uncovered. Pour in enough water to reach shoulder level, but do not cover the entire bulb. Cover with moss if desired for an appealing display.
- Keep an eye on the water level and bring up to shoulder height as needed.
TO FORCE BULBS IN SOIL
The advantage of this method is that the soil is a fertile medium, providing nutrients and water retention. It is also a good option for larger bulbs, such as amaryllis, whose long stems need extra support.
- Fill containers with a well-draining potting soil mix, such as Miracle-Gro Organic™ Indoor Potting Mix. Use only containers with drainage holes. Adding sand or coconut coir to the sterile potting mix will also help keep the roots from getting waterlogged.
- Place the bulbs in the soil with growth ends up. Large bulbs can be forced singly in individual pots, or you can plant a grouping of smaller bulbs.
- Sprinkle a layer of gravel around the bulbs for a neat appearance, leaving the growth uncovered. Water after planting, and place in a cool, dark spot until green foliage appears, then move to a cool, sunlit location for flowering. Bulbs will rot if overwatered, so water only when the pots dry out completely.
Martha’s tip – If your narcissus (paperwhite) bulbs have tips that are curved, point them towards the center of the pot when planting and they will soon grow straight.
CHILLING REQUIREMENTS
Paperwhites (narcissus) do not require chilling, nor do new amaryllis bulbs, making them both ideal for this project.
More in the November Garden
Easy Seasonal Side Dishes
The sweet-salty pairings here make the most of our favorite fall vegetables.
Ask Martha: Caring For Orchids
Did you receive an orchid as a gift? Follow Martha’s useful steps for all you need to grow healthy orchids.
November Garden Check List
November’s checklist to prepare your outdoor garden for winter.
Calling All Birds
One of the easiest and most beautiful ways to observe and appreciate wildlife is by feeding the wild birds in your yard.