Forcing Bulbs
Forcing bulbs in it’s most basic form is really just causing the bulb to grow and bloom in a period during which it would not naturally occur. In return you get a colorful bloom during an off season growing period. Forcing bulbs is not too difficult. It just takes time, patience and a little advance planning.
ABC’s of Forcing Bulbs Select the bulbs you are going to force. Use a potting soil that promotes good water drainage Place several bulbs in pots for a nice display Water thoroughly until water drains out the bottom of the pots Let excess water drain out
To bloom, most bulbs require a "chilling period where the bulb is dormant in a cool environment. Chill your bulbs by potting them up and placing the pots in a cool location.. The ideal temperature for chilling is 40 degrees, keeping them as close to this temperature as possible. Do not let the bulbs freeze. Chill your pots for 12 to 15 weeks. (You can chill bulbs before potting) The soil should remain slightly moist, but not wet. While you can chill bulbs in a refrigerator, interaction with fruits in your refrigerator can cause them to fail to bloom. After the minimum chilling period has been reached, place them in a warm, sunny window. Once they emerge, they will need light to grow and bloom.
Forcing Blooms This may be a new concept to you but can actually be quite successful. Forcing those blooms are as easy as ABCD. • A, grab your pruning shears or a sharp knife. • B, go out to your favorite flowering bush or tree. • C, look for a branch with buds on it. Cut the branch at a length that is right for the vase you will use. • D, bring the branches indoors, and put it in a vase filled with water
It will vary with species but you should have blooms in two to six weeks. The warmth stimulates blooming on the cuttings, not sunlight. Once the branch awakens, you can move it to a window to provide some sunlight and enjoy like any other houseplant. |