Now is the time to really get started with several bulbs that need vernalization, or in other words, experience some of the cold temperatures that winter brings.
The main reason you start now is that the bulbs need to set roots. The roots set best with soil temperatures at 55 degrees F and above.
October and early November are crucial for a healthy plant to grow. Whether you choose to grow the bulbs in a garden or in a pot to force later, this timing is critical.
Each bulb that you plant must be excavated to the proper depth, with the spacing between the bulbs, and in suitable soil media.
Dafodills forced to bloom on Valentines Day. Photo by Eric Larson.
For tulips, I have planted them at a depth of six inches, which is three times the height of the bulb itself.
Shallower than this, you won’t have the strength in the stem to support the bloom. Too deep and the bulb won’t be able to grow enough to bloom or survive, because of the excess soil.
You should install larger tulip bulbs to a depth of eight inches. I allow four to six inches of spacing between bulbs. Spacing between bulbs allows for adequate nutrient absorption and reduces overcrowding.
When planting your bulbs outside, ensure that you have improved the soil conditions. I have used regular potting soils and mixed some composts and other soils as a base for the bulbs to grow.
Planting the bulbs at the proper depth will deter squirrels or rodents from detecting them. Mulch and chicken wire will both go a long way in slowing down squirrels and rodents from damaging any of your bulbs.
Dafodills forced to bloom on Valentines Day. Photo by Eric Larson.
While the roots are growing, you will need to be aware of the watering needs of the bulb. If there are not enough nutrients in the soil for the bulb, the flower will struggle to thrive.
Once you have planted your bulbs, be sure that you water them.
For most gardeners, mere shows of color are not as exciting as having something in bloom.
One option is to grow these bulbs in pots, which will give you the chance to force the flowers to bloom in the middle of winter.
I have enjoyed the expressions on people’s faces as I brought a daffodil, hyacinth, or tulip into a display. This option gave us a particular advantage when it came to eliciting excited expressions on people’s faces during events.
The experience I have had in forcing many different types of bulbs always brings smiles from my friends who have had enough of the dark days of winter.
Here is a step-by-step process for forcing bulbs to bloom. You can vary when you would want to bring cold-treated bulbs, such as hyacinths.
Hyacinth in bloom in garden. Photo by Eric Larson
For the hyacinth to do well, you have to see how well the hyacinth sets root. The longer the bulb has had an opportunity to set roots, the better the chance of removing the bulb and planting it in the soil for the next season.
Allowing the bulbs to establish roots for a number of weeks prior to freezing temperatures is one of the keys to getting the bulbs to grow.
Step one in forcing bulbs is planting your bulbs in a large enough pot, allowing them to grow with standard potting soil and spacing one bulb per pot. Water the bulbs after planting.
I have placed some leaves and straw around the pots to provide minimal protection. For this step, you must also plant the bulbs early enough to allow them to set roots.
Each bulb will have its own set of requirements for its roots.
After at least six weeks of freezing temperatures outside and a minimum of four weeks to allow the roots to set, you should be able to bring your pot with the hyacinth indoors.
Other bulbs will have different requirements. You should not move the pot into a warm room immediately. Hardening off is a process of placing your pot in a cool room for at least one week, with temperatures of 50 degrees, in a sunny window.
At this point, you should see some signs of growth.
You will have a chance to smile when you see your spring-blooming bulbs that you planted. Drop me an email for forcing bulbs to come into bloom early.
If you have any gardening questions, you can email me at ericlarson546@yahoo.com. Winter only lasts for so long.
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