EXTENSION REPORT

Growing Bulbs Indoors 

     The process of growing bulbs indoors, causing them to flower in other than naturally occurring conditions, is referred to as forcing. Forcing bulbs at home brings the bright colors and fragrances of spring indoors for the holiday season, late winter, and spring enjoyment. Bulbs grown in decorative containers make great gifts and are easy to get started. You can start from scratch and assemble your own forcing kit requiring only bulbs, potting mix, containers, and decorative items such as moss, ivy, and ribbons. Expensive containers are not necessary.

     There are two types of bulbs for forcing indoors:  those that need a cold or chilling period and those that don’t. Crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips are the most popular. Other spring bulbs such as bulbous irises, English bluebells, grape hyacinths, and snow drops can also be forced using similar procedures. Bulbs that require a cold or chilling period are typically forced into flower for late winter, and early spring (January – April). Paper-white narcissus and amaryllis bulbs offer more flexible forcing because they do not require a cold or chilling period to flower.

     Paper-white narcissuses can be forced into flower at any time in the home. They can be planted in any width pot depending on the number of bulbs to be forced. You should use a pot with at least one drainage hole that is three to four inches deep and plant the bulbs with the tips even or slightly below the rim of the container. After planting, water the potting mix thoroughly and keep it moist. Narcissus bulbs can also be forced in three to four inch deep decorative containers that have no drainage holes using gravel, colored glass beads, or marbles as potting materials. Place the bulbs on a layer of gravel and carefully fill in enough gravel to hold the bulbs in place without covering them. A crowded grouping provides the most attractive display. Fill the container with water up to the base of the bulbs and maintain at this level. Be careful not to cover the bulbs with water.

     Once your bulbs are placed in containers, move them to an area that is 60 to 65 degrees F. Then move them to normal room temperatures when the flowers begin to open. Narcissuses will flower under any light condition. For the best results, place them in a window with medium to bright light exposure.  The narcissuses can be planted outdoors after the danger of frost.

     Amaryllis are easy bulbs to grow. The flowers are large, long lasting, and come in a wide range of colors. When planting amaryllis bulbs they should not be crowded in the container. Plant with no less than one inch of space around the bulb with one third of the bulb above the container rim. Since the flower stalks are so large, be sure to plant them in container with a wide base to provide stability. Water the container thoroughly and place it in a location where the temperature is 70 – 75 degrees F out of sunlight. Don’t overwater. After the first sprouts appear, place them in window with bright but not direct sunlight. As the bulb begins to grow, fertilization is essential. Use either a complete N-P-K liquid fertilizer or a slow release fertilizer that will last for several months. Make sure to follow the package directions for use. Amaryllis bulbs can also be planted outdoors after the danger of frost.  

Cooperative Extension, Garden Information Line Now Open

            Master Gardeners are standing by the phones of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Horticulture Information line to answer gardeners and home owners’ questions.  Master Gardeners will provide answers based on current research and best practices under the supervision of Regional Extension Agents.

Mike McQueen, Regional Extension Agent, says the toll-free helpline is now open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will be available until mid-November.

“Gardeners in our area should make use of this excellent resource,” says Mike McQueen.  “Volunteers who answer the phones will provide facts and point people to Extension publications and other materials available both online and at the county Extension office.”

To reach the Horticulture Information line, dial 1-877-252-GROW (4769). Callers will be asked to select from one of four regional help lines. For assistance, callers in our area should choose the Southwest Alabama option (option #1).

MG Spring Plant Sale

            The Baldwin County Master Gardeners will be conducting a spring plant sale March 14th – 15th on highway 98 across from the Weeks Bay Reserve. Locally grown native plants, perennials, shrubs, hummingbird and butterfly attractors, Camellias and native azaleas will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the plant sale will benefit the BCMG scholarship fund and other community outreach projects.

Master Gardeners will be on site to provide soil pH tests, research-based information and Alabama Cooperative Extension System publications.

Upcoming Programs

            Small Business Workshop, February 14, 21 & 28 at the Fairhope Public Library from 6:00-8:00 p.m. To register or for more information, call the County Extension Office at 937-7176.

Email address: mcquegj@aces.edu
Phone number: 937-7176 or 943-5611, 928-0860, ext. 2222

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.