Although winter hasn't officially begun yet, you're probably already sick of the cold weather. It can be tough to get out of your warm, snuggly bed every morning knowing that it's freezing cold and dreary outside. If you're looking for a way to brighten up your winter this season, there's an easy way to do it - and it doesn't involve spending hundreds of dollars on a tropical vacation.
While you may think that planting flower bulbs is best done in the spring, it's actually possible to make them bloom indoors in the winter. You don't have to spend all season wishing you could be in your sunny garden - just use your green thumb to care for a few blooming plants that will spruce up your space.
According to The Columbus Dispatch, causing bulbs to bloom indoors in the winter isn't a complicated process. You just need to alter the plant's surroundings to mimic the conditions it would experience outside. This means they need a colder period to stand for winter, followed by a period of higher temperatures and plenty of sun. Of course, soil and water are also major components.
Basically any bulb can be forced to bloom indoors, but some are easier than others. Plants with smaller bulbs often require the least amount of work because they don't require long cooling periods and hold up better than larger bulbs. Bigger bulbs like daffodils and tulips can also be forced, but need a deeper pot to grow in so the flower stalks have enough support.
When you're choosing which bulbs to plant, it's important to find ones that are healthy and strong. Avoid using any bulbs that feel soft or are smaller than other bulbs of their kind. Keep in mind that you can always buy plants online, which will offer you a larger selection. Your local florist or gardening center may not have the variety you're looking for during the off-season.
Once you've chosen a few bulbs for planting, place them in a well-drained container. You may want to use a mix without soil to plant them in, as these mixtures are light and drain well. They'll be able to survive without the added nutrients because the bulbs already have everything they need to flower. Once they're planted, chill the bulbs at around 40 degrees for several weeks. Make sure you do your research, because some plants, like amaryllis and narcissus, don't need this chill time. You don't need to water them much, but make sure they're always moist.
Once the shoots emerge, slowly bring the bulbs back to higher temperatures. You'll have beautiful flowers in your home before spring has sprung.