Forcing Bulbs

'Tis the season to plant your bulbs for indoor displays. Anyone can do this, so listen up!

Amaryllis bulbs are for sale at most stores now, and it's a good time to start them if you want flowers for Christmas! The instructions are easy:

1. Use a basic potting soil (sometimes they come with a soil mix).
2. Find a container, such as a plastic or clay pot, and fill soil to within about an inch of the top.
3. Plant bulb, leaving the top third out of the soil.
4. Water in and keep soil moist.
5. Keep in a light area, but out of direct sunlight, and watch the magic unfold.

I planted mine a week ago and it's already taking off!

Now is also the time to force bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths for indoor enjoyment during the winter.

Believe me, it is so worth it to have the beauties in your kitchen in frigid February!

These steps are also quite simple:

1. Procure bulbs, from transplants in your garden or from a home & garden store.
2. Fill pot with potting mix about 3/4 to the top.

3. Place bulbs on top of the soil with the 'nose' up. They can be pretty close together.
4. Dump more soil on top of the bulbs, until most of them are covered and you can only see the tips.
5. Water thoroughly.
6. Place in a dark, cool place for 12-13 weeks. This is called cold treatment and will prepare the bulbs for blooming. They need to be between temperatures of 35-48 degrees and never allowed to freeze. Here in Utah, my garage is a good place to do this. I put some boxes or paper bags on top of my pots to keep them dark. You could also use a basement if it stays below 48.
7. Mark you calendar to bring pots inside. If you plant now, bring them in at the end of January or beginning of February. Once you give them light and water, they will bloom within about 3 weeks!