Hooper's Garden Center
Creating An Indoor Forcing Garden
 

Indoor Forcing is the process that stimulates bulbs to bloom out of season. Hyacinths, Daffodils, Tulips and Crocuses are perfect for Indoor Forcing. Of all the flower bulbs available in autumn, Hyacinths, Paperwhites, Narcissi (Daffodils) and Amaryllis are the easiest to bring into flower. However, many other bulb varieties are also suitable for your indoor garden.

There are two methods of forcing bulbs into flowering indoors.  The first method is used for Amaryllis, Paperwhites and Hyacinths.  These bulbs do not require a cooling period and can be brought into bloom immediately.  These bulbs can be grown the traditional soil method or forced without soil utilizing water.  Many special containers, glassware and vases are availale for this type of forcing.

The other method of forcing requires a cooling period for the bulbs for proper root formation.  Bulbs in this category include Narcissus(Daffodils), Crocus and Tulips.   The following four step method is a detailed explanation of this forcing method.

Four Easy Steps to Indoor Beauty!

Step 1:
Place a thin piece of paper bag on the bottom of the container to hold the potting soil in place. Fill the container almost to the top with potting soil, then plant the bulbs on top of this, close together.

Step 2:
Add the rest of the soil to partially cover the bulbs. Thoroughly soak the entire pot with water. Place the container in a cool place (below 50°F (10°C), and above 32° (0°C)) for a period of 12 weeks. During this period, keep the soil moist; (Paperwhites and Amaryllis do not require cold temperature treatment).

Step 3:
A cool cellar, unheated garage, or refrigerator is a perfect environment. After 12 weeks of cool storage, the root system should be well established. With a strong root system and one inch sprouts, our pot is now ready to be moved indoors to a sunny location. The temperature should not exceed 80° (26°C). The pale shoots will quickly turn green.

Step 4:
Water once a day or every other day to keep the soil moist. You have just fooled Mother Nature into producing beautiful, natural blooms in your home!


Helpful Tips

Rooting

The potted bulbs need a period of cold storage of at least 12 weeks to develop roots, stem and bud. Rooting should be at temperatures of 40°F (4°C) to 50°F (10°C).

Place the pots in a cool cellar, refrigerator, garage or outdoor shed where they will not freeze. Pots rooted indoors must be kept in complete darkness and watered consistently.

Containers for Indoor Forcing

Choose containers that reflect your decorating style and tastes. Metal, ceramic, plastic and clay planters will all do well. If new clay pots are used, soak them in water 24 hours prior to use. Forced bulbs require well-drained soil; therefore, containers must have a drainage hole, and must be at least twice as deep as the bulb for roots to develop.

How Many Bulbs Are Needed?

Number of bulbs required per 6" (15cm) container
  • Tulips: 6 bulbs
  • Narcissus (Large Varieties): 3 Bulbs
  • Narcissus (Short Varieties): 6 Bulbs
  • Hyacinths: 3 Bulbs
  • Crocus: 12 Bulbs
  • Muscari (Grape Hyacinths): 12 Bulbs
  • Paperwhites: 5 Bulbs
  • Amaryllis: 1 Bulb

Soil for Forcing

Light soil is the key, especially for drainage. Potting soil is the easiest or you can combine equal parts of weed-free garden soil, peat and sand. Don't worry about fertilizer — the bulb contains all its own food.

Flowering

After a minimum of 12 weeks, the bulbs will have adequate root and sprout growth. The roots will be visible through the drainage hole and sprouts will be white and one to three inches tall. At this stage, the containers can be placed in a warmer environment for forcing. Initially place pots in a 60°F (15°C) semi-dark area. After four days transfer pots to a well-lighted 65°F (18°C) to 70°F (21°C) area. Water regularly and keep pots away from heaters and drafts. Potted bulb flowers in bloom prefer cool locations — warmer temperature will shorten their bloom. They enjoy full sunlight during the day but should be moved to a cool location at night.

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Hooper's Garden Center