10 - Forcing bulbs - Narcissus 'Tete a Tete'

Question 1

What is the forcing of bulbs?

Answer 1

• Bulbs like narcissus and hyacinthus contain stored food to allow them to survive during the dormant period
• It is possible to trick the bulb into producing flowers out of season by imitating an artificial cold period to simulate winter temperatures…
• After which growth and flowering can be rapid.

Question 2

Where are forced bulbs intended to be used?

Answer 2

Indoors. So containers do not usually have drainage holes.

Question 3

Explain the forcing of bulbs initial/cold process.

Answer 3

• Sept/Oct fill your container with pre-wetted bulb fibre (usually made of coarse fibre or peat)
• Do not add fertiliser
• Plant the bulb half in/half out of the fibre
• Fill with bulbs to get a good display (but don’t let them touch each other)
• Place in a cold (4C) moist place (like a fridge) for 13 weeks to encourage root production
• Do not let the compost dry out or become too wet.

Question 4

Explain the forcing of bulbs after they’ve been removed from the cold environment.

Answer 4

• Move to a well-lit, warm location (around 16C)
• Plants will flower in about 4 weeks
• (If too warm the bulbs will become leggy and collapse)
• Water sparingly and don’t let them become waterlogged.

Question 5

Explain the feeding of forced bulbs.

Answer 5

• Do not feed until after flowering
• Use a weak solution of balanced liquid feed, every two weeks

Question 6

Can forced bulbs be planted out in the garden when they’re finished?

Answer 6

Yes. They will flower normally the next season.

Question 7

Name pests that could affect forced bulbs.

Answer 7

• Narcissus bulb fly
• Bulb eelworm

(Usually growers heat treat to prevent these.)