Tip of the week
Bulbs for indoors

Probably no plant gives greater pleasure in the middle of winter than a spring bulb blooming indoors.

They not only bring color and aroma inside but signal spring is just around the corner.

With just a small amount of planning and care, bulbs can be coaxed into bloom in about 12 to 15 weeks.

Crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and tulips are excellent choices for this project.

Plant healthy bulbs with no nicks, blemishes, or evidence of disease, in 4- to 10-inch pots with good drainage.

A good soil mixture is equal parts of sand, peat and soil. The top of the bulb should be planted in moist soil even with the rim of the pot.

The use of multiple bulbs in a container can be very effective.

All hardy bulbs need a period of cooling (when roots develop) to bring on foliage and flower growth.

This can be done by placing the planted bulb, with moist soil, where the temperature can be kept between 35 and 50 degrees for nine to 12 weeks.

This is best accomplished in the refrigerator.

When you notice roots around the drainage hole and about two inches of leaf bud poking above the soil, the bulb is ready to coax into bloom.

Introducing the bulb to light needs to be a gradual process.

Start with indirect light for a couple of weeks.

Next, move the plant to more direct sunlight, keeping the soil moist during these stages.

Turning the plant every few days will ensure it will grow straight.

Soon you will enjoy the beauty of spring blooms in your own home.

Sue Adee, Smith County Master Gardener