Forcing Narcissi

What is easily grown indoors and is the perfect antidote for the doldrums of winter?  Narcissi!!!

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy the fragrance and beauty of springtime in bloom by forcing bulbs indoors. Forcing is the very simple process of speeding up a bulb’s natural development by simulating the conditions of winter and spring.  So simple, in fact, that even those without a hint of green in their thumbs can find success.  If you’re new at forcing, begin with the fail-safe, paper-white-narcissus.  Tender narcissi grow naturally in warm climates and when grown indoors, they take about six weeks from potting to first bloom.  You can find these bulbs in garden shops.  Just be sure they’re labeled “good for forcing.”

Narcissi thrive in water, and they can be planted in any waterproof container.  Fill the container with clean, tiny pebbles, up to an inch from the top.  I like to take the pebbles right from the driveway.  Set the bulbs, on top of the pebbles, point up, next to one another.  Don’t worry about crowding.  The more, the merrier.  I like to weight down my bulbs with another layer of pebbles.  Add enough water until the bottom of the bulbs are sitting in it, and place the pot in a dimly lit place.  Maintain the water level and move the pot into sunlight when the narcissi begin to grow.  When flowers form, move the pot out of direct sunlight to prevent the flowers from fading too quickly.  Forced narcissi are fragrant, cheerful, and very springlike.

Photo taken from my Greenhouse yesterday!

Comments

[Elaine]

I am really enjoying your blog. I love that you are continuing to teach us here as well as sharing things that you do. I also like how you have organized your older posts - so easy to find a previous blog of interest and I especially like the link to your network of blogs. Very enjoyable!

[Margie]

Perfect timing for this subject. Where I live in the colder climates these wonderful things help us get through the winter. They are truly joys to watch grow and bloom.

[Jane M]

The photo looks great. I'm forcing my amorillis from 2 years ago and they are NOT working! All I have are tall leaves which I had to stake and not ONE SINGLE FLOWER? How come this is? I'm soon going to throw them away they look that bad.

[Kirsten]

I used to find narcissi too fragrant - they would overpower me in the house - until I had the bright idea to set them on my front porch - the scent wafts in with visitors - a perfect greeting!

[Angela Willis]

Hey Martha!
Can you reuse the bulbs after they are forced?

Angela

[Amy]

What can I do to prevent the flowers from falling once they bloom? I've tried tying them with ribbon but it does not work well for me.

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, Thanks again for another wonderful, useful blog. I just purchased a package of paper-white-narcissus and was getting ready to pot them. Now I know exactly what to do because of your blog. The photo from your greenhouse is beautiful as well as useful. Thanks again for sharing. Jan

[Isabella]

Martha,
Thank you for reminding me of the beauty and ease of growing narcissus. Isn't it wonderful to see the new life of such a beautiful flower begin to peek out of the soil! Lovely photos. You have inspired me!

[Kathy]

Martha,
Thanks for the detailed information. I forced some paperwhites today in memory of my Mom's birthday. She would have liked them.
Kathy

[Linda]

Beautiful photo. I'm starting to smell narcissus. I forced bulbs nestled in a bed of glass beads last year. But I must say, your arrangement is a bit more elegant - just lovely!

[Gerry Pape]

Thank you for such useful information. I love your blog. I received your newsletter and now it is my understanding the blog replaces it. What about your calendar? I loved it.
Thanks,

[Joan Fluor Mason,OH 45040]

Hi Martha, I enjoy your blog, your TV show and all your magazines.

I am always delighted to see what you have on your blog each day. It is very interesting and love your sharing of your farm and animals with us.

I do have one comment regarding my subscription to the news letter I have received one copy in Sept but no more and no calendar. Perhaps someone can find out what happened?

Thanks very much.

[Trish]

So I guess bulbs grow anytime in Florida because we have spring-like weather? I planted tulip bulbs 8 inches deep in the front yard, (I guess I was expecting freezing weather!), along with some muscari and then I put muscari in planters on the patio. The ones on the patio are shooting up tall already which surprised me because I thought all bulbs only came up in the spring. Please continue with the gardening lessons; obviously I am a "dim bulb" when it comes to bulbs! Right now I'm wondering how much I should be watering them. Trish

[Bayou Woman]

I just finished putting mine in an antique, shallow casserole dish my mother-in-law passed down to me. Thanks for this encouragement.

[Jessica]

Just wanted to pass along a tip I just heard of. After your bulbs get started, about 1-2 inches of green, drain the water and replace with a 4-6% alcohol (the hard stuff) solution with water. This reduces their height, so they don't topple over, while keeping flowering the same. Type it into a search for more info. I know I'll try it this year.