How to Force Bulbs

Enjoy beautiful blooms all winter by growing paperwhites and amaryllis. You can grow them in water, gravel or in soil like a regular plant.

To grow paperwhites, start by filling a shallow bowl or tray, without drainage holes, with gravel. Work the just the base of the bulbs into the gravel. Be sure to not stick the bulbs too far down in the tray.Pour enough water in to just touch the bottom of the bulbs. If you pour more water, the water will rot the bulb. Sit the tray in a sunny window. Sprouts will show in about a week, with blooms growing in about a month.

To force amaryllis, start with a little soil in the bottom of a planter, placing the bulb in the center with the roots spread out. Make sure the bulb does not touch the side of the planter. Fill with soil, up to the shoulders of the bulb. Saturate the bulb, watering until water comes out the bottom of the planter. Do not water again until the amaryllis has started to sprout.

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