Forcing Bulbs Indoors

• 1
  Use soil made of 1 part sand, 2 parts peat moss and 3 parts loam.sand art image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
  
  Choose good-size quality bulbs for planting. Bulbs should be planted in clean plastic or clay pots with a mixture of 3 parts garden loam, 2 parts peat moss and 1 part sand. Plant bulbs closely together in one pot--for example six tulip bulbs can be planted in one 6-inch pot.
  
  
• 2
  Force bulbs indoors using clay pots.Flower pot image by Pupurup from Fotolia.com
  
  Do not bury the bulbs when placing them in the soil-filled pot. Plant bulbs so their "noses" are exposed. Make sure the pot is loosely filled with soil, and do not press bulbs into the soil; allow for 1/4 inch of space at the top of the pot for easy watering.
  
  
• 3
  The soil around bulbs should always be damp.Clean water and water bubbles in blue image by Suto Norbert from Fotolia.com
  
  Water bulbs immediately after planting and do not allow soil to become completely dry at any time during the growing process. Place bulbs in a cool area of the home, as bulbs must be kept in an environment of 35 to 48 degrees F for at least 12 to 13 weeks after planting. Cold frames, unheated attics and cellars, and the vegetable crisper in your refrigerator are all suitable areas.
  
  
• 4
  If planted October 1, remove bulbs from their cold location after Christmas.christmas-tree and christmas gifts image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Mark your calender so you know exactly when the bulbs were planted and when to remove them from cold storage. For example, if you plant the bulbs on October 1 you can remove them from their cold location after Christmas. Place pots in a cool, sunny location in the home that's about 50 to 60 degrees F and does not get direct sunlight.
  
  
• 5
  Bulbs can be moved to a sunnier area of the home after about 12 to 13 weeks in a cold location.Sun image by KPICKS from Fotolia.com
  
  Leave bulbs in this sunny location for about a week or until you see shoots and leaves expanding. You can then move the bulbs to a warmer area of the home, such as the living room. Once bulbs are blooming, move them to a cool location every night; this will extend the life of the flowers.