Winter can be a slowdown for many gardeners since sunlight is restricted and outdoor gardening is often at a stop, making us want for the days of vibrant blooms and delightful aromas. While many gardening chores must wait until the weather warms up again, there is one very simple operation that will have you believe in rejuvenating lives even when not in accord! That’s called "forcing bulbs."
What does it mean to force bulbs?
The basic method of forcing a plant to blossom in an artificially produced environment is known as "forcing." Outdoor growth bulbs are typically planted in the autumn to overwinter for spring blooms, but you may save months of waiting by forcing bulbs to bloom indoors in only a few weeks.
The best bulb to grow
It's critical to choose bulbs that are easy to force if you want your blooms to be successful. These are simple to grow indoors and offer beautiful spring blossoms to decorate your house. Few such examples are:
- Crocus
- Amaryllis
- Dutch iris
- Hyacinth
- Muscari
- Narcissus
- Tulip
What types of bulbs can you force?
Depending on the specific choices, you can force a variety of different types of bulbs. Some blossoms have a strong aroma, while others don't have any at all. If you have a sensitivity to certain fragrances, it's wise to conduct your homework ahead of time. Paperwhites, for example: have a pungent aroma that many people find repulsive. Crocus, paperwhites, amaryllis, daffodils, hyacinth, grape hyacinth, iris, and snowdrops are among the most often pushed bulbs.
How to chill your bulb?
Most typical forcing bulbs require a chilly time, similar to that of winter, to prepare for growth. The interior of the bulb is a flurry of growth while it's freezing. You won't have to worry about chilling Amaryllis or Paperwhite bulbs because they're naturally tropical plants that don't require a cold snap. Plant them and expect flowers in 3-8 weeks (Amaryllis will take the most time to bloom). The majority of the other bulbs will need to be pre-cooled or chilled yourself.
You may need to freeze the bulbs in your refrigerator's vegetable drawer or in an unheated area of your house like the basement or garage.
The chill time is something like this:
- Tulips take 10-15 weeks to blossom, with flowers appearing 2-3 weeks after planting.
- Snowdrops take 15 weeks to blossom. They bloom 2 weeks after sowing.
- Iris flowers- 2-3 weeks after planting and takes 13-15 weeks to mature.
- Crocus flowers- 2-5 weeks after planting and takes 8-15 weeks to mature.
- Hyacinth flowers- 2-3 weeks after planting and lasts 12-15 weeks.
- Grape Hyacinth: 8-14 weeks; blooms 2-3 weeks after planting.
- 2-3 weeks for Daffodils; blooms in 2-3 weeks after planting.
How to Force a Bulb to Bloom in Water?
When pushing bulbs in water, start by deciding on a container or utilise. To develop your flower bulb inside, you may purchase special containers known as ‘Forcing vases’. Vases with short, thin necks and large mouths are known as these. They allow the flower bulb to sit in the water with only its roots exposed.
To push a bulb to bloom in water, you don't need a forcing vase. You may also use a pebble-filled pan or basin. With the points facing up, bury the bulbs halfway into the stones. Fill the pan or basin with enough water to cover the lowest fourth of the flower bulb. Make sure there is constant water in the pan or basin.
How to Force a Bulb in pots and Soil?
Flower bulbs can also be pushed into the house in soil-filled containers. Fill the container halfway with potting soil. Garden soil should not be used. Half to three-quarters of the way into the pot, plant the flower bulbs you'll be forcing. The bulbs' sharp tips should be out of the soil. Keep the soil wet and water the bulbs.
Caring for Forced Bulbs
It is really simple to take care of forced bulbs. Place the containers in bright indirect light, such as on a windowsill, near a bright window, or on a well-lit tabletop. Keep the soil moist but not sloggy and after the blooms have completely faded, toss them into the compost pile, bulb and all. Most forced bulbs have depleted their energy source and will not bloom again. However, if you put them outside in the ground, they may rebloom in the future, although this might take many years.