What to Do With Forced Spring Bulbs?

Care During Forced Blooming

• If you are forcing the blooms yourself, plant them in a rich potting soil. If they have been forced in water, plant them in soil as soon as the blooms fade. Keep forced blooms in a cool location with plenty of light. Temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit are best. Treat them as you would a bright-light houseplant during the winter. Water them whenever the potting mix dries to the touch.

Keeping the Bulb Growing

• Once the blooms die back, you must keep the foliage growing if you are to have any chance at a rejuvenating the bulb for a second season. Remove the spent blooms and place the potted bulbs in a sunny window until the weather warms in the spring. Water them daily, or as needed to keep the soil moist. Fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer, following label directions.

Transplant to the Garden

• Once the threat of a hard freeze has passed, transplant the bulbs into the garden, planting them at a depth of 3 times the bulb height. Keep the foliage growing as long as possible to nourish the bulbs. If the foliage has died back, you can plant the bulbs directly in the garden or store them for later planting. Plant the bulbs in an area that gets good drainage and plenty of sunlight. Light is critical to nourish the plant. Place the plants where they will receive six to eight hours of sunlight daily.

Compost Them

• Many gardeners do not attempt to recycle forced bulbs into the garden, finding that they require too much work. The bulbs require special care and won't flower again until after the second year, if ever. If you fall into this category of gardener, place the bulbs and spent blooms and foliage into your compost bin. This is the best solution for bulbs that are not hardy in your area and any bulb that died soon after the bulbs faded.