Forcing Bulbs to Bring Spring Indoors Earlier than Boston Spring

Forcing bulbs indoors can be easy or difficult, depending on the type of bulbs you'd like to grow. Of course, you need to have the right level of light (ie shade, partial shade, full sun?), keep the water levels normal, and choose bulbs that can bloom at room temperature, or you'll never enjoy them. I've included a list of bulbs you can force. Here's a link where you can learn how to force bulbs: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1116.html

Bulbs for Beginners:

Amaryllis
Paperwhite Narcissus
Autumn Crocus
Lily of the Valley


Fall Bulb Intermediate (ie probably requires chilling period):

Tulip
Hyacinth
Grape Hyacinth (muscari)
Other jonquils/narcissus (ie those cheerfully daffy daffodils)
Crocus
Dwarf Iris
Snowdrop (galanthus)

Spring Bulb Intermediate (or equiv.):

Asiatic Lily
Oriental Lily
Freesia
Calla Lily
Dutch Iris

I've successfully grown paperwhite narcissus and Dutch hyacinths in my dorm. For the hyacinths, I've had to adjust the cool-down timing to fit in with the breaks when I'm not home. Luckily, my corner room on the 5th F is like an icebox when the heat's turned off, so I just leave the bulbs near a cold wall. Although the recommended chilling period in the refrigerator is 3Ms, I've gotten blooms from bulbs with only 6W of chilling (though maybe the blooms aren't as showy as they could be).

"If you have two coins, use one to buy bread, the other to buy hyacinths, for the joy of your spirit." - A Persian saying

Random Thought

I can't wait until I move into my new place, wherever that will be. Already, the ideas swirl about in my head. I'm going to try the untried and impossible. It'll be a veritable Secret Garden indoors. Oh yeah, I guess I couldn't live with anyone that is allergic to pollen.

On Flowers that One Can Whiff

Hybridizers and growers in the last century have been moving away from attempting to please the nose, and towards showy blooms that really overemphasize the visual aspect of plants (ie take a look at the judges' criteria for flower competitions). I think that's why it's so hard to find plants I want to grow. I adore a garden that caters to all the senses (see a pattern on preferences, anyone?). A garden first catches the eye with color and beauty, then draws you in with the promise of perfume. The real beauty of a bloom lies in the flower's scent. Sniff a scentless blossom. Aren't you just a bit disappointed? Oh, to encounter and grow blooms with a pleasing color, but with a perfume that lingers in the night air like an unspoken tryst.