There are many different types of bulbs we can grow both indoors and out. Bulbs blooming indoors during the hard frosty weather of winter are particularly welcome.
Many types of spring bulbs can be forced indoors so that they will bloom in winter. There are even special bulbs whose main aim it is to bring color and fragrance into the living room during the winter season, such as the Amaryllis and “paperwhite” narcissus. Everyone should try these at least once – the smell is gorgeous!
However be aware that some bulbs, like hyacinths, tulips, narcissi and crocuses first need a cold period to be able to come to bloom. Plant up these bulbs and leave them for 12 to 15 weeks in a place where the
temperature is between 5 and 10°C (41-50°F). Be sure to provide sufficient (but not too much) water during this period.
Low-growing flower bulbs are very well suited for planting in flower boxes and can really lift your mood during bleak winter days. You can plant them more closely together or even in “layers”. The early-flowering bulbs near the top, the later-flowering ones at the bottom. Since the soil in boxes tends to dry
out quickly, particularly with central heating on, regular watering is essential.
Often indoor paper-white narcissi (or daffodils if you prefer) are prepared for forcing before you even buy them, (check with your supplier to make sure). Plant them in a beautiful bowl or pot (a glass bowl with gravel will add to the display) and add water to start them off. Relatively quickly the bulbs will start showing the green shoots of leaves and flower stalks, with pure white roots anchoring the bulbs down into the soil or gravel.
These bulbs prefer cool conditions, a lower temperature will keep the stems stocky. You can quickly spoil paper-whites with warmth during the early stages and their stems will become drawn and lanky. The stems can be further weakened by too much shade and without some support, can topple under the weight of the glorious flower heads as they open.
After they are finished flowering (and the weather outside is warm enough), the bulbs, with their leaves still on can planted in the garden. Pick an out of the way place so they can finish their growing season, then re-plant them where you want them to enjoy them year after year.
Once planted in the ground, you can leave them in the ground to naturalize. Then by adding a few new flower bulbs every year, you can create a magnificent display.
To use the bulbs somewhere else in the garden the following season, dig them up only after the leaves have died down completely. Remove the dirt from the bulbs and store them in a dry well-ventilated, dark-ish place until the following autumn, then re-plant.
