While flowers are asleep in the garden outside, why not wake some of them up for lovely holiday and winter beauty inside? Forcing flower bulbs out of their winter hibernation to be enjoyed during the cold months is a practice that’s centuries old.

Most bulbs need several months of cold soil outdoors in order to bloom the following spring. But accommodating Paperwhites  and Amaryllis bulbs will put on their party dresses early in our homes without mimicking Mother Nature’s winter weather. There are  only slight differences between forcing Amaryllis and Paperwhites to bloom inside in time for holiday festivities of for the cold months.

Forcing Paperwhite Bulbs to Bloom Indoors

Paperwhites (Narcissus tazetta) can be forced by using only water in a special bulb vase or in any glass container (although they can also be forced using soil). If you choose anything other than a vase meant for forcing, you’ll need marbles or pebbles, as well. When using a forcing vase, all that’s necessary is to fill the vase to the neck with water. Place the bulb (pointed end up) at the top of the vase so that the roots are just touching the water. You’ll see by the shape of the forcing vase that the idea is to keep the bulb from soaking in the water so it doesn’t rot.

If you want to use a different type of glass vase or container, add glass marbles, or pebbles into the container first. Place the Paperwhite bulbs close together; just sitting on top of the marbles. Fill the container with water just to the bottom of the bulbs – the marbles or pebbles will keep them from becoming soaked.

Forcing Amaryllis Bulbs to Bloom Indoors

Unlike Paperwhites, Amaryllis (Amaryllis hippeastrum) bulbs should be forced in fast-draining soil as opposed to just water. Soil that’s on the sandy side is the best for forcing Amaryllis bulbs. This type of soil is stiffer than most and will help hold the bulb upright when it blooms. These bulbs liked to be “hugged”, so use a pot or container that’s only 1″ – 2″ larger than the bulb. If you’re forcing several Amaryllis bulbs, just use a larger container and plant them close to each other with the pot still only being 1″ – 2″  bigger around the circumference.

Fill the container about 1/3 of the way with soil. Spread the Amaryllis’ roots out while placing the bulb on top of the soil. Add more soil to cover the bulb’s roots leaving about 1/3 of the bulb above the soil line. Add water to thoroughly moisten the soil and pack it down gently.

Leave the Amaryllis bulb in a bright window and don’t water it until you see growth on the plant. At that point just water the Amaryllis to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Both the Paperwhites and the Amaryllis may need help with staking once they bloom.

Photo of Paperwhites by rpscott123

Photo of Amaryllis by bbrpics