Forcing bulbs for the holidays

As fall approaches, bringing cold weather and dark days, it's the perfect time to consider forcing bulbs indoors for the holidays. Forcing bulbs, such as amaryllis (Hippeastrum) or paperwhite narcissus (Narcissus tazetta), allows you to replicate spring conditions inside, creating a beautiful indoor display. Choosing the right container can enhance the beauty of the blooms, so select one that complements your flowers. Local garden centers and online specialty stores offer a variety of bulbs suited for this purpose. Local garden centers will have bulbs in September, and online specialty stores begin stocking in late spring and early summer. When selecting bulbs, remember the bigger the bulbs, the better the blooms. The size of the bulb directly correlates with the number of stems and size of the flowers. Amaryllis bulbs, which come in various colors, typically range from 32-38 cm (11-15 inches) in circumference, producing larger blooms and multiple stems. In contrast, paperwhite bulbs are smaller, ranging from 12-17 cm (5-7 inches) in circumference. The best-known varieties for forcing indoors include Ziva, known for its strong fragrance, and Nir or Inbal, which have a slight fragrance. Amaryllis: Amaryllis bulbs can be forced in either soil or water, but using soil is preferable if you want to encourage repeat blooms after transplanting outdoors. Bulbs grown in water tend to exhaust their energy reserves and may not bloom again. To prepare for planting, start your amaryllis bulbs 6-8 weeks before you want to see them bloom. Position the bulb in a pot or glass container with the pointed end facing upward, ensuring the container is tall and heavy enough to support the blooms. The container should be slightly larger in diameter than the bulb. If using a planter or pot, make sure it has drainage holes and a saucer. If using a vase or glass container, be sure not to overwater. For optimal growth, soak the bulb overnight in water to soften the roots. Fill the container with quality potting soil, placing the bulb face up covering about two-thirds of it with soil, leaving the top slightly exposed. Firmly pat down the soil and water once with warm water. Allow the soil to drain and refrain from watering again until you see a couple of inches of growth. Once the bulb begins to grow, water it regularly with warm water, ensuring the top inch of soil dries out between waterings. Place the container in a warm spot with indirect light. Rotating the bulb a quarter turn each day helps keep the stems straight. Trim off any dead blooms to redirect the plant's energy for future growth. After the amaryllis blooms, remove the flowers but leave the foliage intact. You can plant the bulb outdoors in a suitable climate zone (8-11) and wait one or more seasons for it to regenerate and bloom again. Paperwhites: Paperwhites can also be grown in water or soil, but they are most commonly cultivated in water, as they typically do not re-bloom. For a striking display, use a cylindrical clear vase filled with glass beads or pebbles serving as a base for the bulbs. Begin the process 4-6 weeks before you want flowers to appear. Place the bulbs on top of the medium with the pointed ends facing up and nestle them together, leaving the top half inch exposed. Fill the container with warm water, just below the roots, to hydrate them without causing rot. Maintain the water level and avoid letting the roots dry out. Like amaryllis, rotate the bulbs daily to keep the stems straight and pinch any expired blooms. Once the paperwhites have finished blooming, dispose of them in compost. By following these guidelines, you can create a vibrant indoor display that will brighten your home during the winter months and serve as a delightful gift for the holidays.