Virginia winters can be long and cold, with outdoor gardens slowing down as frost and snow take over. Forcing bulbs offers a fun and rewarding way to bring vibrant indoor color to your home during these dreary months. This process encourages bulbs to bloom out of season, typically in the winter when your outdoor flowers are dormant. Planning ahead is key—October is the ideal time to start preparing your bulbs for indoor blooming, giving you a burst of color just when you need it most.
Storing Bulbs
Bare bulbs can be stored for several weeks prior to planting. Store them in a ventilated bag in your refrigerator. You also have the option to pot your bulbs if you have an old refrigerator, root cellar or cool basement to store them in. If you use the refrigerator to cool your bulbs, be sure to cover them with a plastic bag with a few breathing holes punched into it to allow air to the planting site. Bagged or potted bulbs need to be stored for 12 weeks at a temperature below 48 degrees and then brought to a warmer temperature.
Blooming
Make a note of when you planted your bulbs so you don’t forget to take them out when they’re ready. After the 12-week cooling period if you haven’t already you will want to pot your bagged bulbs, or move your potted bulbs into a warm sunny area with early temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees. After you have done this, you can expect approximately a three to four-week wait before you have blooming flowers.
The Best Bulbs for Forcing
If you’re eager to brighten up your home with indoor blooms, here are some of the best bulbs to force:
- Amaryllis (can be forced again and again!)
- Colchicum
- Crocus
- Daffodils
- Freesias
- Iris
- Lily of the Valley
- Grape Hyacinth
- Paperwhites (Narcissus)
Avoid varieties like tulips, as they require a longer cooling period and more consistent temperature fluctuations to thrive indoors.
Pick Up Bulbs Today
Visit any of our garden centers today and explore our wide selection of bulbs perfect for forcing. Our experts are happy to help you select the best varieties and offer guidance on getting your blooms to thrive. Let us help you bring color to your home this winter!