Raising Spring Bulbs Indoors

When you buy the best bulbs you insure your success.

The essential requirements are firm, healthy bulbs; moderately fertile, well drained soil; a period of root development before foliage growth; relatively low temperatures with indirect light only during flowering and frequent watering during flowering.

The dreary gray overcast days of winter can be made brighter with a few potted bulbs on the window sill. Most spring flowering bulbs can be forced in the house.

The essential requirements are firm, healthy bulbs; moderately fertile, well drained soil; a period of root development before foliage growth; relatively low temperatures with indirect light only during flowering and frequent watering during flowering.

Purchase healthy bulbs.

Buy the best bulbs possible, for the flowers can be no better than the bulbs from which they come. Plant four or five bulbs in a 6" pot with the tip of the bulb one-half to one inch from the top of the pot. Fill in soil around the bulb and settle by firming around the bulb. Add more soil until the bulbs are almost covered. Firm again and water thoroughly.

Keep it cool…

The critical period occurs during the time the roots are forming. This requires a cool temperature around 40 degrees. Use a cool basement, cellar or if a second refrigerator is available, it is most desirable. Set the bulb pots on a tray or pan of damp peat moss or sand and leave until after mid-January.

At this time roots should have formed and beginning development of foliage and flower buds should be visible. Move pots to a cool bright window out of direct sunlight.

Keep a close check on water since it is very critical until flowering is complete. Watch the temperature, if too warm, the leaf growth and flowers will be tall and weak and tend to fall over.

For more information on raising spring bulbs indoors contact your local county Extension office.