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Indoor Flower Show |
Create Your Own Indoor Flower Show
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Forcing
Bulbs into Flower. Almost any
container that will hold soil is suitable for growing bulbs for indoor
bloom. Containers should be clean and at least twice the depth of
the bulb to provide for root growth. New clay pots should be
soaked at least one day before use. A loose and light
potting soil works best to provide good drainage and room for roots to
expand. Fertilizers are not necessary.
To get the
most from each container, plant as many bulbs as it will hold.
However, bulbs should not touch each other or the sides of the
pot. A six-inch pot will easily accommodate six tulips or eight
daffodils.
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Step #1
Place
a few rocks or flat stones in the pot over drainage hole(s) to
prevent clogging. Partially fill with potting soil.
Gently place bulbs close together, equal distance apart, with tips
pointed up just below level of rim.
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Step #2
Add more soil to
partially cover bulbs (leave tips exposed.) Press soil firm
with finger tips to anchor the bulbs. Label each pot with
date, the variety and color.
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Step #3
Water
thoroughly. Place pots in a cool place for a period of 10-12
weeks. A cool cellar or unheated garage is perfect. In
the extreme south, use a refrigerator. During this period, the
soil should be kept moist with temperatures below 50°F, but not
freezing, at all times.
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Step #4 -
Enjoy!
After
10-12
weeks of cool storage you should have a good root system established
and about one inch sprouts. Your pot is now ready to be moved
inside to a sunny location. The temperature indoors should not
exceed 80°F. The flowers will bloom a few weeks after the
pots are brought into your home. For longest lasting bloom,
keep temperature between 65-75°F. If possible, move pots to a
cool location during the night. Water often enough to keep
soil moist.
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Additional
Tips:
1)
Because individual pots of forced bulbs flower for about ten days to
three weeks, they can be brought into flower in planned succession to
ensure continuous color. Try planting any number of pots in
one week intervals. Bring them indoors in the same interval.
2)
Plant tulips with their flat sides facing the edge of the pot.
This will produce the first broad leaf on the outside and form a
symmetrical border around each container.
3) Once flowering has
finished, your bulbs can be planted outdoors to bloom naturally next
year. If your ground is frozen, just keep them in a brightly
lit area until the spring thaw. Leave the green stems on until
they yellow and whither. Plant at least 6-12 inches deep.
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