How to Force Bulbs Indoors: Winter Blooms Guide
Enjoy spring flowers in the depths of winter. Learn how to "force" tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other bulbs to bloom indoors during the cold months.
When winter drags on and you're craving spring color, forcing bulbs indoors brings that spring feeling right to your windowsill. With a little planning and patience, you can have tulips blooming in January and hyacinths perfuming your home in February.
What is Bulb Forcing?
"Forcing" mimics the natural conditions bulbs need to bloom: a cold period followed by warmth. By providing artificial winter (cold storage) and then bringing bulbs into warmth, we trick them into thinking spring has arrived—ahead of schedule.
The Key: Cold Treatment
Most spring bulbs require 12-16 weeks of cold temperatures (35-48°F/2-9°C) before they'll bloom. This chilling period is non-negotiable—without it, you'll get leaves but no flowers.
Best Bulbs for Forcing
Hyacinths
Easiest and most fragrant. Can be forced in water without soil.
Chill time: 10-12 weeks | Bloom time: 2-3 weeks
Tulips
Single early and triumph types work best. Avoid late-blooming varieties.
Chill time: 14-16 weeks | Bloom time: 2-3 weeks
Daffodils
Paperwhites need no chilling! Other daffodils need 12-15 weeks cold.
Paperwhites: 3-5 weeks from start to bloom
Crocus
Quick and cheerful. Plant many in a shallow dish for impact.
Chill time: 8-10 weeks | Bloom time: 1-2 weeks
Grape Hyacinths (Muscari)
Delicate blue clusters. Short chill time makes them easy beginners.
Chill time: 8-10 weeks | Bloom time: 1-2 weeks
Amaryllis
NO chilling needed! The easiest winter bloomer of all.
Bloom time: 6-8 weeks from planting
Step-by-Step: Forcing Bulbs in Pots
- 1Choose large, firm bulbs
Buy the biggest bulbs you can find. Larger bulbs = larger flowers. Avoid any that are soft or moldy.
- 2Select containers with drainage
Use pots at least 4 inches deep. Bulbs packed closely together (not touching) create the best display.
- 3Plant at the right depth
For forcing, plant shallower than outdoors. Tips should just peek above soil level.
- 4Water lightly
Moisten soil but don't soak. Bulbs rot easily when too wet during chilling.
- 5Chill in a cold, dark place
Refrigerator (away from fruit), unheated garage, or cold basement. 35-48°F is ideal.
- 6Wait for roots and shoots
After chilling time, check for roots at drainage holes and 1-2 inch green shoots.
- 7Move to a cool, bright spot
Start with 50-60°F and indirect light for a week, then move to normal room temperature.
- 8Enjoy the blooms!
Keep in bright light but away from heat sources. Cooler temps = longer-lasting flowers.
Forcing Hyacinths in Water
Hyacinths look stunning in special forcing vases that hold the bulb above water while roots grow down into it.
What You Need
- - Forcing vase (hourglass shape)
- - Pre-chilled hyacinth bulb
- - Room-temperature water
- - Dark location for root development
The Process
- 1. Fill vase so water just touches bulb base
- 2. Keep in dark, cool spot 4-8 weeks
- 3. Add water as needed (keep level constant)
- 4. Move to light when shoot is 2" tall
Paperwhites: The Easiest Forced Bulbs
Paperwhites (a type of narcissus) are the only spring bulbs that don't need chilling. Just add water and wait!
Growing Paperwhites
- 1. Fill a shallow dish with pebbles, glass beads, or marbles
- 2. Set bulbs on top, pointed end up, close together
- 3. Add water to just below the bulb bases (not touching)
- 4. Place in a cool room (50-60°F) until roots form
- 5. Move to a bright spot once growth begins
- 6. Expect blooms in 3-5 weeks
Tip: Add a splash of vodka (yes, really!) to the water to keep stems shorter and sturdier.
Timing Your Blooms
Work backward from when you want blooms. For Valentine's Day flowers:
- Hyacinths: Pot in early October, chill 12 weeks, bloom mid-February
- Tulips: Pot in late September, chill 14-16 weeks, bloom February
- Paperwhites: Start 4-5 weeks before Valentine's Day
- Amaryllis: Start 6-8 weeks before desired bloom
After They Bloom
Forced in Pots
Let foliage die back naturally. Plant outdoors in spring. They may take 1-2 years to bloom again, if at all. Many people treat them as annuals.
Forced in Water
Bulbs are exhausted after blooming without soil nutrients. Compost them and start fresh next year with new bulbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I chill bulbs in my refrigerator?
Yes, but keep them away from fruit! Apples and other ripening fruit release ethylene gas that damages bulbs. Store in paper bags, not plastic.
Why are my forced tulips floppy?
Too warm during growth makes stems stretch. Keep them in the coolest spot possible (60-65°F). Also, longer chilling time produces sturdier stems.
Can I force bulbs that weren't pre-chilled?
Only for paperwhites and amaryllis. Other bulbs need chilling—buy them in fall and chill yourself, or look for "prepared" (pre-chilled) bulbs.
Forcing bulbs indoors is one of gardening's most rewarding winter projects. The first time you see tulips or daffodils blooming on your windowsill while snow falls outside, you'll be hooked for life.
Local Flower Team
Local Flower
The Local Flower team is dedicated to helping you discover beautiful blooms and connect with talented florists in your area.