Prechilling and Forcing Flowering Bulbs
How to prechill and force flowering bulbs to bloom earlier.
Forcing Spring Flowering Bulbs for Winter Color
Many spring blooming bulbs can be forced into bloom in the winter months. Some tropical bloomers,like paperwhites and amaryllis, take little effort at all.
Prechilling Spring Blooming Bulbs for Forcing
Many spring flowering bulbs can be forced into bloom during the winter, but most will need a period of cold temperatures to stimulate growth and flower production. This period of precooling varies with the type of bulb, as shown on the Prechilling Chart.
Forcing Paperwhites
How to force Paper White Narcisis indoors, for winter blooms.
Growing Amaryllis
Most amaryllis will go dormant naturally and re-bloom sometime during winter. However, many people prefer to force their amaryllis into bloom for the holiday season. Many ‘prepared’ bulbs are sold in the fall, ready to pot up and have in time for Christmas. Here are directions for forcing your Amaryllis for holiday display, as well as general care for your amaryllis plant.