Have you ever checked out the bulb kits they have during the holidays? Fearing a rip off I opened one up at the drug store yesterday. The “kit” consisted of bulbs, a cheap plastic planter, and a peat pellet. I think I am better off creating my own bulb kits. I was considering giving them as Christmas presents or hostess gifts. Forcing bulbs is the term used when bulbs are “forced” to bloom early.
I am using the stones method. The easiest bulbs to force are Narcissus (Paperwhites), Amaryllis, and Hyacinths. However, any flowering bulb can be forced such as tulips and crocus but these bulbs require freezing for a few weeks to mock a winter climate. I found a variety of bulbs at my local hardware store on sale in either packets or as single bulbs.
Steps Stone Forcing
1. Find a pot (be creative these can be anything from glass vases, ceramic pots, wine glasses, etc) with no drainage. I chose a ceramic pot but I am tempted to buy more bulbs and use some old candle holders or even one of my gold fish bowls.
2. Find a medium, again be creative you can use pebbles, sea glass, or stones. I used aquarium pebbles that we had lying around the house and then larger stones on top.
3. Fill container with pebbles and stones.
4. Place bulbs on top of the stones, and use stones to place and secure the bulbs in place.
5. Add water so the roots of the bulbs get wet but do not saturate the bulbs (they will rot)
6. Initially store in a cool, dark place for the first week.
7. Once roots start to grow place in a sunny spot and watch your flowers grow.
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