Forcing Instructions

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Amaryllis (Click to order bulbs)
Amaryllis will bloom for the holidays if potted six to eight weeks in advance.  So, for late December flowering, plant in late October to early November.  Try planting one bulb every week and have flowers from December through April! 
  • Choose a pot that leaves about an inch of space between the bulb and the pot when planted.  Be sure it has a drainage hole and a saucer to collect the excess water.  (Check out our beautiful blue amaryllis pots!)
  • Add several inches of soil and place the bulb in the pot, pointed end up, with the neck and "bare shoulders" of the bulb just peeking over the top of the pot.
  • Fill in with soil and gently pat down, leaving the neck and shoulders of the bulb exposed.
  • Water well.
  • Place in a cool and sunny spot.
Water sparingly at first.  After the first sprout appears (about 2 weeks later), water more often.  In four to six more weeks, you will be proud to show off these magnificent and exotic-looking flowers to everyone!
Hint:  As the stalk grows taller, it will instinctively grow toward the light.  Be sure to turn the pot every so often to keep the stem straight.  Not doing so will result in your Amaryllis falling over.

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Paperwhites (Click to order bulbs)
Paperwhites are traditional holiday items and will bloom for the holidays if potted four to six weeks in advance.  Be sure to plant your bulbs by mid November to ensure late December flowering.  Try planting some bulbs every week and have flowers from December through April!
  • Choose a pot that is not too deep and has no drainage holes in the bottom.  (Check out our beautiful blue paperwhite bowls!)
  • Fill the pot with two-thirds of gravel, stones, colored beads or marbles.
  • Place as many bulbs as will fit on the gravel with the pointed side up.  then fill in with gravel around them, leaving the tops exposed.
  • Add water up to the base of the bulbs and maintain this water level.  Do not let the water touch the base of the bulb as this will cause rotting.
  • Place the pot in a cool space.
Within days, strong roots will appear.  As the roots grow, they will sometimes push the bulb upwards...push the bulbs back down.  When the green shoots appear, move the pot to a cool, sunny spot.  The shoots will develop rapidly and in about three more weeks, you will have masses of heavily scented sweet white flowers.
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Hyacinths (Click to order bulbs)
You can enjoy the fragrance and color of Hyacinths all winter long.  Almost any Hyacinth can be forced, however, the best varieties are Carnegie, Delft Blue and Pink Pearl.  Try to plant some every week and have flowers from December through April
  • Choose a Hyacinth vase or glass and place the bulb in the glass with the pointed side up.  (Check out our Glass & Crystal Hyacinth Vases or our blue pottery!)
  • Fill the glass or vase with water, but do not let the water touch the bottom of the bulb.  If the water is too high, the bulb will rot.  If the water is too low, the roots may dry out.
  • Place the glass or vase in a cool and dark place where the temperature stays between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  This could be the basement or the garage.  Make sure, however, that the do not freeze.
  • Keep the bulbs there for 13 weeks.  Check weekly and maintain the water level to just below the bulb.  The roots will fill the glass or vase and a shoot will appear from the tip of the bulb. 
  • After 13 weeks, when the shoot is 2-3 inches high, bring the glass or vase into a warm room, 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.  Keep it in a filtered light area until the shoot turns green.  Then place it in full sunlight.
Your Hyacinth will fill your room with color and fragrance in 2-3 weeks.  Once in bloom, keep it from direct heat to prolong the flowering.  Your Hyacinth glass or vase will make an excellent cut-flower vase as well.  Reuse it again in the fall for more Hyacinth bulbs.
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Crocus (Click to order bulbs)
Crocus, as well as other miniature bulbs such as Muscari, Scilla and Chionodoxa, make a wonderful display of color indoors without crashing your budget!  Try some of these items this winter and get ready to reap the benefits while everyone else is waiting for spring to come!
  • Fill the pot with soil and arrange the crocus bulbs so that the noses come through the holes or through the soil on top.
  • Water thoroughly.
  • Put the pot in the dark, cool place.
  • Check the pot once a week and water if needed. 
  • When the crocus are well-rooted and the sprouts are 2" tall (after about 8-10 weeks), you can bring the pot into the light in a warm room.
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For more information on forcing other types of bulbs, email us with the item you wish to force and we will send you specific instructions on those as well!  You can also read additional information in our October Newsletter!

ENJOY YOUR INDOOR GARDENING EXPERIENCE!