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When you force bulbs you are simulating the fall and winter conditions that the bulbs would have experienced if they were planted in the ground. The usual method is to pot bulbs and keep them fairly moist and cool (40 - 45 degrees F) and dark until January. After that you can bring them into the warmth and light anytime and they will start to grow.
Bulbs pans are usually 3 - 5 inched deep and must have good drainage. Bulbs will rot if they remain wet at all times. Place at least an inch of pebbles, rocks, or other drainage material at the bottom of the pan before adding the soil.
It takes 14 - 18 weeks from the time you plant most bulbs until they flower. Although you can often buy pre-cooled bulbs (such as they bulbs we sell) to shorten this time considerably. Pre-chilled bulbs will bloom in 3 - 6 weeks depending on the bulb.
Any standard mixture will do for the soil. In fact many bulbs can be put in a forcing jar with no soil at all, just water. Hyacinths are a good example of this. Set the bulbs on top of the soil so that their tips or corms are even with the top of the pot. Add the soil to 1 inch from the top of the pot. Water thoroughly and let the pot drain for at least a day before chilling.
If you are plating Amaryllis make sure they are planted in a tight pot. There shouldn't be more than 1" from the bulb to the pot on all sides. Also, leave the top 1/3 of the bulb exposed. It should not get totally covered with soil. Many of the Amaryllis bulbs available today require no pre-chilling because it has already been done.
Soil should be moist but never wet throughout the chilling period to ensure good root development. Check the pot every week or so for dryness. Water as needed and check to be sure mold is not forming. If it is, remove the covering to improve air circulation.
Three to four weeks before you want you bulbs to bloom, move your pots to a warm spot (60 - 65 degreesF). The bulbs should have a few sprouts by this time. Move into indirect sunlight for a few days. When the sprouts turn green you can move your plants to direct sun 60 - 65 degrees F during the day.
Water the bulbs as you would a houseplant. After the buds have appeared, move the bulbs to a spot with indirect sun and soon your bulbs will be blooming.
Sure to brighten up even the darkest winter days!
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