For bulbs which normally grow in cooler zones, you need to chill them before potting them up. This fools them into thinking winter has passed, and it's now spring. Other bulbs don't need any chilling time. Thus, some bulbs are quicker and easier to force than others. What follows is a table of bulbs recommended for forcing, in order of ease of forcing:
| Name | Weeks of chilling | Weeks to bloom | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Paperwhite | none | 3 - 5 | Extremely easy to force: grows in soil or gravel; has wonder fragrance
Latin name: Narcissus tazetta |
| 2. Amaryllis | none | 5 - 10 | Very easy to force; can be planted in early November for Christmas blooming, or later, for early spring blooming Latin name: Hippeastrum |
| 3. Hyacinth | 10 - 14 | 2 - 3 | Wonderful fragrance; can be forced in special "hyacinth" vases using only water Click here to see some suggested varieties |
| 4. Giant Dutch Crocus | 14 - 15 | 2 | Latin name: Crocus vernus Click here to see some suggested varieties |
| 5. Snow Crocus | 14 - 15 | 2 - 3 | Latin name: Crocus chrysanthus |
| 6. Muscari | 13 - 16 | 2 - 3 | Common name: Grape Hyacinth; pot a large number in one pot, as they are very small |
| 7. Dwarf Iris | 12 -15 | 2 - 3 | Pleasant fragrance; easy to force, but need very good drainage; don't hold bulbs too long before potting Latin name: iris reticulata |
| 8. Scilla tubergeniana | 12 -15 | 2 - 3 | not always easy to find commercially |
| 9. Siberian Squill | 15 | 2 - 3 | Latin name: Scilla siberica |
| 10. Snowdrop | 15 | 2 | pot a large number in one pot, as they are very small Latin name: Galanthus |
| 11. Daffodil | 15 -17 | 2 - 3 | Only certain varieties of Daffodil are suitable for forcing, some of which are fragrant Latin name: Narcissus |
| 12. Tulip | 14 - 20 | 2 - 3 | Only certain varieties of Tulip are suitable for forcing, a few of which are fragrant |
The following links will provide you with the basics of forcing:
When to Plant | Where to Plant | How to Plant | How Many to Plant | How Deep to Plant
How Far Apart to Plant | What to Do After Flowering
Buying Menu | Planting Menu | List of Bulbs | Introductory Page
Last modified: May 4, 2006