Forcing Bulbs to Sprout

Plant daffodils, tulips and other bulbs in the fall and beautiful blooms will welcome the spring.

Gardening expert Ardith Beveridge offers tips for starting flowers from bulbs.

• Start bulbs in plastic containers that have plenty of openings in the bottom for drainage. If using terra-cotta pots, soak them in water for at least a day. Otherwise the terra cotta will leech moisture and nutrients out of the soil.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

When choosing bulbs to plant in the fall, select those that are firm and full of moisture, such as the one on the left (figure A). Avoid mushy bulbs that have sprouted foliage, such as the one on the right.

Look for bulbs that have at least some of the dark, protective coating left (figure B).

Steps:

1. Fill a container nearly to the top with soil, then place bulbs on top of the soil (figure C). Use a loose soil mixture with plenty of perlite.

2. Spread moist soil around the bulbs, but be careful not to press in too much. Water the soil that will be added to the containers before using it to cover the bulbs. This avoids displacing the soil around the bulbs.

	Figure D
	Figure E

Label and date the containers, then place in a cool spot for 13 to 18 weeks (figure D). Do not put in a refrigerator that contains fresh fruits and vegetables because the ethylene from those items will kill the bulbs.

If the bulbs will be stored in a cellar or other area where critters may lurk, cover the container with a piece of screen to keep the bulbs safe. Use binder clips to attach the screen to the pot (figure E).

After a period of cooling, moisture and air will cause mold to appear. Simply remove the mold with your hands.

Never fertilize, and water only occasionally.

Figure F

The flowers should blossom after 13 weeks. Let the tulips die, but leave the foliage on (figure F). The bulb will rejuvenate itself.

When the foliage isn't attractive anymore, just cut it off. Make sure it is completely dead before cutting it, or it will give life to the bulb.

Resources
Floral Designing Through the Seasons
This is one in a 12-volume series of videotapes.
Floral Communications Group, Inc.
13200 Lincoln St., N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55434
Toll-free: 888-757-5776
Website: www.floralcommunications.com

Designing with Silk Flowers
This is one in a 12-volume series of videotapes.
Floral Communications Group, Inc.
13200 Lincoln St., N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55434
Toll-free: 888-757-5776
Website: www.floralcommunications.com

Wedding Design
This is one in a 12-volume series of videotapes.
Floral Communications Group, Inc.
13200 Lincoln St., N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55434
Toll-free: 888-757-5776
Website: www.floralcommunications.com

Designing With Fresh Flowers
This is one in a 12-volume series of videotapes.
Floral Communications Group, Inc.
13200 Lincoln St., N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55434
Toll-free: 888-757-5776
Website: www.floralcommunications.com
Guests
Ardith Beveridge
Floral Designer and Teacher / Director, Koehler & Dramm
Minneapolis, MN
Phone: 612-362-3102
E-mail: Abeveridge@koehlerdramm.com
Website: www.koehlerdramm.com
Also in this Episode

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-603
•	Forcing Bulbs to Sprout
•	Homemade Pretzels
•	Knitting for Beginners
•	Tip of the Day