I’m quite pleased with myself for forcing tulip bulbs in pots this past fall. Ornery Old Man Winter has suddenly decided to come at us with everything he’s got, and the beautiful fresh flowers are keeping me sane.
‘Boston’ is my first batch to bloom. I have four other pots with plants in various stages of growth. Forced tulips need to be cold-treated for 12 to 16 weeks. I kept mine in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. I removed two pots from the refrigerator at 14 weeks and I retrieved the rest at 16 weeks so the bloom times would be staggered.
Potted tulips will last longer if you keep them away from heat and sun. We haven’t had much sun lately so my tulips have spent most of their time in a south-facing window. On the rare occasion when the sun decides to make an appearance, I move the pots to the floor for the day where the tulips can still get bright light, but aren’t baking in direct sun.
Triumph tulips make some of the best forcing tulips, but most species will cooperate. Just fill a pot with soil and push the bulbs into the soil leaving about half of each bulb exposed. Water them thoroughly before putting them in cold storage. They usually need at least one drink (sometimes two) during the chilling period. Be careful not to over water them or mold will grow on the bulbs.
When it’s time to bring them out of cold storage, give them a day or two to adjust to the warmth and light before sticking them in a window. Once they’ve gotten their bearings, they’ll grow fast.
In two or three weeks you’ll be able to thumb your nose at the snow and cold with your own little spring garden.