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Forcing Bulbs for Bloom Indoors

A pot of daffodils in the window in very early spring! What is more gay and charming? And yet many gardeners forgo the joy because they do not realize how easily it may be attained. Most bulbs, with proper treatment, may be forced into bloom indoors fully six weeks or so before they as much as push their heads up in the garden.

When planting it must be remembered that within the dormant bulb lie all the elements of the mature growth: the stem, the leaves, the flower. A strong, vigorous root system is essential to the development of these elements, and nature demands that this root system be started in a cool, dark place in order that it may become well established before leaf growth begins. When bulbs are planted out of doors in the autumn this is very naturally accomplished, and where bulbs are to be forced into winter bloom indoors similar conditions must be provided. This is done by placing the bulbs in storage in some suitable place until their root systems have become sufficiently established. A few bulbs, such as the paper-white narcissus, the Chinese sacred narcissus, and the hyacinths, force very readily in pebbles and water or in prepared fibre. The trumpet varieties of narcissus, however, and all tulips, force most successfully when planted in soil, either in pots or in trays. An excellent soil mixture consists of two parts good loam, one part leaf mould, and one part sand. When planting, the tip of the bulb should be from one to two inches below the surface of the soil and ample drainage should be provided. After the bulbs have been potted they should be put into storage. They may be buried in a cold frame or in some sheltered place out of doors. When they are being grown in pebbles and water, the bowls may be placed in a cool, dark corner of the cellar.

It is a wise plan to place a light layer of excelsior or straw directly over the pots to afford protection for any delicate shoots which may push through. A six-inch layer of soil or coal ashes should then be added. The length of time which bulbs should be kept in storage will vary considerably according to the variety.