Forced Bulbs
01 December 2025
It’s so easy to up your winter-quality-of-life with a few flower bulbs, some rocks, a clear glass vessel, and tap water. As the leaves fall, and the weather begins to chill, amaryllis and narcissus bulbs begin to pop up at the bodega or hardware store. If you are a seasoned bulb forcer, you probably already have a bunch of stones from the last time, and a favorite clear vase to start the process. If not, decorative rocks are available at the hardware or garden store, or marbles from the craft store. It’s a good idea to use a tall vase that will support the plants as they grow, if not a string around the leaves can add a bit of decoration as the flowers bloom. Nothing fancy is required, a Mason jar will work with a few hand fulls of (clean) gravel.
Forcing is the horticultural practice of bringing a cultivated plant into active growth outside of its natural growing season.
INGREDIENTS -
Forcing vase or other clear vessel
decorative rocks, pebbles, or marbles
Healthy bulbs
fresh tap water
string
PREPERATION -
Fill the jar partially with pebbles, placing the bulb on top with the pointed end facing up. (If using a forcing vase, fill the vessel with water only just below the bulb).
Add water until it is just below the base of the bulb, ensuring that the bulb itself does not sit directly in the water.
Adjust the pebbles to help stabilize the bulb and prevent it from tipping over.
Place the vase in a paper bag and store it in a cool, dark location, such as the refrigerator.
After chilling, move the vase to a bright, warm space and add water as needed. The water should touch the area where the roots are forming.
In a few weeks, the bulbs should bloom.
NOTES -
Choose a clear vase or mason jar to display both the bulb and roots. Even a novice gardener can learn how to force bulbs in water. If you don't have a forcing vase, using pebbles will stabilize the bulb and ensure it doesn't sit directly in the water.
Forced bulbs in soil -
The easiest way to force bulbs is to pot them in well-draining soil. Before you begin, be sure to pick healthy bulbs free of mold or soft spots.
INGREDIENTS -
Terra cotta pot with saucer
potting soil
rocks or broken terra cotta for drainage
Healthy bulbs
fresh tap water
string
PREPERATION -
Begin with a container with a drainage hole and fill it halfway with rich potting soil.
Arrange the bulbs with their tips up, close but not touching, and cover them with soil, leaving the tips exposed.
Water deeply, then place the container in a cool, dark spot (40 degrees Fahrenheit) for the chilling period. A refrigerator, basement, or unheated garage are suitable spots.
Once chilled, move the container to a warm, sunlit area, watering as needed to encourage growth.
In a few weeks, the bulbs should bloom.
NOTES -
Even a novice gardener can learn how to force bulbs in water. If you don't have a forcing vase, using pebbles will stabilize the bulb and ensure it doesn't sit directly in the water.
Paperwhite bulbs
Garden District, December 2025
