Tulips, hyacinth, grape
hyacinth, and Iris reticulata

Introduction

Springtime comes early when you force bulbs into bloom indoors. During the frigid, dreary months of winter, you'll enjoy the powerful fragrance of hyacinths, the sweet scent of paperwhite narcissus, and the cheerful color of tulips, as well as other spring-flowering bulbs, if you plan ahead.

Although it's not hard to fool Mother Nature, you can't hurry the process. Forcing most spring bulbs into bloom requires eight to 15 weeks of chilling, though there are varieties that can be ready for prime time in just two to three weeks.

Follow the instructions on the next page for complete details.

When chilling bulbs in the refrigerator, store them away from fresh fruits and vegetables that can emit ethylene gas and damage the flowers developing inside the bulbs. Chill potted and bulk bulbs in closed paper bags.