forcing didn't go so well

by d
(maryland usa)

I tried forcing daffodils/crocus/tulips/hyacinths in pots, new bulbs, fresh pot. mix, clean pots; left em in fridge since early Sept- the hyacinths sprouted and bloomed w/ so-so results (took out from fridge when leaves were 1" up or so)-tulips doing so-so, crocus almost not at all, only 1 daffodil even came up. Did not over-water. Never froze. Gently acclimated to room temp. when removed from fridge. *In local plant shop, their potted daffodils are in full spectacular bloom, 10x better than mine. Should I give up next Autumn?

Doug says that he can't answer that for you. If you want to "give up" after only one attempt.... :-)

It's possible but do check out the dormancy periods of each plant and the temperatures of each plant. They're all different!

The deal here is that forcing bulbs is done in greenhouses and coolers using special timing and exact control of temperature and humidity. You're comparing your first attempts to those of professionals who do it for a living and who have exact guidelines to follow.

Let's be clear about this - most home gardeners aren't going to be able to duplicate what pro gardeners do. That's why we have pro's (in almost every part of our lives). And refrigerators are not professional cooling chambers.

The real question is did you learn something? Did you enjoy the process? Is this something you're challenged to do in order to get it right?

Or do you simply want some blooms in the spring?

If you had a good time getting these first-time results, then do it again. If not, then you're time and effort ahead by purchasing either the bulbs (pre-chilled is what you want) or the flowering pots.

I can't answer your question - that's up to you.

All the best

Doug