I got a question about what to do with a bunch of spring-flowering bulbs this time of year. The reader found a company that would not ship to Alaska, so she sent her order to an Outside friend. The friend trans-shipped the bulbs, but they arrived after the ground was frozen.
Sometimes it happens: Spring-flowering bulbs don’t get planted on time. You can’t plant spring-flowering bulbs in the spring. They might sprout, but they will not flower. So if you don’t want them to go to waste, you have to grow these bulbs indoors.
The process for doing this is known as “forcing.” Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses are the usual bulbs that are forced. You can plant a mixture in one container or stick to planting all of the same species. It is easy, but you have to then let the planted bulbs rest for months in a cool and dark place.
Let’s start with suitable containers. They should be pretty big, at least 6 inches deep and 6 inches in diameter, minimum. You also need a growing medium. Most of the goodies needed by these bulbs are already in the bulb; the medium feeds the plants, true, but its main purpose is to hold the plant in position You want some organics, but sand and even pebbles too, so things drain properly.
Tulips and daffodils require the most time in cool storage once planted. Tulips appreciate 15 weeks and daffodils at least 12. When I list daffodils, I am not referring to those pre-chilled bulbs that can simply be set in water and will flower without having to be further chilled. Look for these, along with amaryllis, as they are terrific and easy to get to bloom.
Plant tulips or daffs, pointed ends up, at least the depth of the bulb and maybe a “half a bulb” deeper. You may notice tulips have a green tip. These are usually bent. You will get a professional-looking display if you orient yours so they point toward the outside of the pot.
Next, find a dark location to store your pots. It must be between 35 and 47 degrees. Most Alaska homes have such a place. The good thing is you don’t need a timer or lights.
Next, hyacinths. These bloom when kept cool for 12 to 15 weeks after they are potted up. Do not fully bury them. Instead, one-third of the bulb should be above the soil level. Then move them to your cool, dark forcing space.
Finally, crocuses. Once these little bulbs are potted, 3 or 4 inches deep, they will need 10 to 12 weeks in storage in your cold spot.
It is possible to mix several or all of these bulbs in one container, which will make a very impressive display. No matter how you do it, it is important not to delay much longer. If you do, your indoor spring-flowering bulbs will be competing with your outdoor ones.
Jeff’s Alaska Garden Calendar:
Alaska Botanical Garden: “Brighter Winter Nights” are on select evenings from Nov. 30-Feb. 22. There will be kicksledding, ice luminaries, model train, and more lights than ever.
Orchid group address correction: I am so sorry: The website for the orchid group was incorrect — it should be akorchid.org. No “s” after orchid.