Most of the spring bulbs that we are familiar with require vernalization or a cold treatment before blooming. The cold treatment is required for an extensive period of time, to mimic winter. That means a typical outdoor bulb would require around four months or so of consistent cold starting in the summer to bloom indoors during the holiday season.
There are also methods that use refrigerators for a shorter vernalization period.
Another option is prepared bulbs. They have been pre-chilled to force them to flower at Christmas or early in the New Year. Hyacinths are a good example. Plant these bulbs as soon as possible or store them in a cool and dark spot to slow down sprouting. If there is already a green shoot coming out of the bulb, leave it, these are flowering shoots.
Not all bulbs need vernalization. Amaryllis bulbs will bloom six to eight weeks after planting and paperwhite narcissus will bloom three weeks after planting without a cold treatment.
If you're looking for a simple no-nonsense way force bulbs for Christmas then waxed bulbs are the way to go. All they need is sunlight. Position the bulb in a warm sunny location (16 to 21°C) and it will grow and flower in about three to six weeks.
Waxed bulbs are bulbs that have been dipped in wax. The wax contains the moisture and heat that the bulbs need to grow.
Editor’s tip: Position bulbs in a warm sunny location – ideally around 60 to 70°F.
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