I'm taking just a tiny break from the crafting to bring to you this very important announcement: Now is THE time to force bulbs! So run, don't walk to your nearest nursery, florist or garden supply store, and pick up some bulbs! Which bulbs? Narcissus, amaryllis and hyacinth. These three are very cooperative when it comes to forcing and you don't have to go through any of the cold-room type treatment that you would with things like cyclamen of daffodils, for example.
And if you've never forced bulbs, so you're missing out! There's nothing like fragrant blooms in your home in January, ahhhh, and the anticipation of watching the bulbs grow and then flower is simply wonderful!
How To:
You'll need bulbs, and containers, some rocks or marbles, and some water. Narcissus grow tall, so they do best in pots or tall vases. Amaryllis has one tall stalk, so it also needs a sturdy base. The gorgeous hyacinth is mainly a flower, and can even be forced in glass forcing vases, (photo on left), or any container that allows the bulb to sit nicely on top. The idea is that the bulb should sit in enough water so that the bottom of the bulb is touching water, but you don't want the bulb to sit in water if possible. Prop the bulb up with rocks or marbles. After roots start to form, the water level is less critical, just make sure the roots are in water. Place bulbs in a light, not sunny spot, and the warmer the spot the faster they'll grow.
If you have any questions, so just drop me a line, I'd be happy to help you explore the wonders of bulb forcing!
