How To Force Bulbs For Christmas

Winter flowers

- Wendy Humphires

IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

What better way to spend a rainy day than planting indoor bulbs. Do so in September and October to give them time to develop for the festivities.

Forcing bulbs is a technique that tricks bulbs into thinking it’s spring and stimulates flowering much earlier. Suppliers offer ‘prepared’ bulbs grown for indoor displays, usually hyacinths and some daffodils.

Plant three to five bulbs in a shallow bowl in good quality loamy compost, or use bulb fibre if the pot doesn’t have drainage holes. The bulbs will require a cool spell in a dark place for about 10 weeks to develop a good root system. Check them every few weeks and water lightly if needed. Bring them in when shoots appear and move to a bright windowsill or table to flower.

Once the blooms have faded, allow the foliage to die down naturally then plant out in the garden.