The days seem to be passing
rather quickly and with the arrival of Thanksgiving it is time to ‘force’ some bulbs for Christmas. For
those unfamiliar with the process, ‘forcing’ is the method by which a bulb is
planted and compelled to grow and bloom out of season by exposure to the warm
temperature indoors. This process brings the bulbs into bloom long before they
would bloom outdoors thus allowing us the pleasure of their company during the
winter months.
Since their ancestors came
from warm areas of the Mediterranean the darling Paperwhite Narcissus requires
no cold to bloom and may easily forced. Taking only three to four weeks to
flower, they will bloom faithfully providing both fragrance and cheer for the
holidays. So easy is the growth habit of these bulbs that anchoring material
may include gravel, pebbles, colored glass stones, or moss as acceptable
mediums. Any sort of shallow growth container whether pottery, glass, or clay
will work as well.
First select large,
top-grade, flawless bulbs which are free of sooty mold then choose a favorite
container that will be lovely as a centerpiece or focal point. Perhaps select a
glass bowl for the added pleasure of watching the roots as they begin to grow
and slowly twine about the stones. Grandmother’s shallow crystal bowl filled
with red, white, and green glass stones is beautiful for Christmas but more a
more rustic selection might include a pottery bowl with polished rocks or pea
gravel. If a large container is chosen, more bulbs will be needed and the display
will entirely riotous… often more is better!
Fill the bottom of the
container with whatever you have chosen to anchor your bulbs making a bed about
two to three inches deep. Gently press the bulbs halfway down the bulb mass,
wriggling and carefully nestling them until they stand firmly on their own. Try
to space the bulbs about two inches apart, remembering to place several in the
center as well. After arranging your bulbs, fill the container with enough
water to cover your anchoring material, moistening the bulbs approximately half
way up. Keep this water level, adding a little each day if necessary and your
bulbs will begin to flower in three to four weeks. Remember to give the bowl a
shot of gin as the first flower buds appear. The gin will slightly stunt the
foliage and force it to stand ‘at attention’ thus preventing the wilt so
prevalent with forced Narcissus.
As the roots grow, the
reed-like foliage will first appear and suddenly many tiny blooms arrive,
slowly swelling, then opening over the course of several days. The marvelous
sweet smelling flowers will last several weeks before it is time to discard
them. Sadly, the temperature-trickery used to force early bloom has confused
and destroyed the bulb’s internal clock… they have given their ’all’ this
season.