Indoor Flower Bulbs
Indoor flower bulbs can be broken down into those that require cold for proper forcing and those that require other forms of dormancy.
For example, if you intend to force tulips into bloom, you should figure out a way to keep the bulbs quite cool (45-50F) for 12 - 15 weeks before you bring them into the heat. Without this cooling period, tulips (as well as other indoor flower bulbs that require cold dormancy) will not bloom.
General Guidelines
And the interesting thing is that you can force a full range of easy bulbs indoors to beautify any living area.
Sometimes you need to store them for a few days/weeks before you plant and here's the tips.
There's also the question of what you do after your bulbs have finished blooming and here's how to treat your bulbs to get them to rebloom
Tulips
If you purchase your potted flower bulbs, you may want to check out this page on extending the life of potted tulips I note that most bulbs follow the same rules as are on this page.
Hyacinths
Forcing a hyacinth bulb. From personal experience, I can tell you that once bulbs start growing in the spring, it is very important to keep them constantly damp. The first time I grew a huge pot of tulips in a new townhouse, I put them over top of the big electric heating fixture and two days later the pot was dead-dry. The bulbs weren’t dead but the flower buds had withered up. Lesson learned!
Spring bulbs also want a significant amount of sunshine while they are growing. They go pale quite quickly and stretch into ugly tipped-over flowers if enough light is lacking. We’re looking at big south facing windows or overhead grow lights to do a good job.
On the other hand, there are summer dormant bulbs that bloom quite nicely in the house and with a south facing window for post-blooming growth, will perform nicely for the home gardener.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis flower bulb. It is big, it is bold and it is brassy but who can resist growing it every year?
Reblooming amaryllis is easy if you follow these directions.
Paperwhites and Other Narcissus
Force paperwhites because not only are they easy to grow, they are extremely fragrant (some folks find the perfume overwhelming)
Cyclamen
Here's the secrets to success with Cyclamen If you've received a florists Cyclamen, (C. persicum) you're going to want to know how to grow it, keep it in bloom and get it to bloom again.
Other Indoor Flowering Bulbs
Agapanthus is the queen of the blue flowering bulbs and here's how to grow it indoors in containers.
Achimenes is another tender outdoor plant that makes an excellent potted bulb for late summer or fall blooming. Here's what you need to be successful.
Ginger is easy gardening if you use containers and here's how to grow them and overwinter ginger indoors.
Gloxinia is a perfect gift for other gardeners - this relative of the African violet is a super indoor blooming plant.
Ornithogalum 'Chesapeake Snowflake' is the longest blooming indoor bulb you'll find.
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What Other Visitors Have Asked About Indoor Bulbs
Click below to see what other gardeners have asked about indoor bulbs
long leaves on Amaryllis
The plant has leaves on it that are at least five feet long. Is there any way that it will rebloom for Christmas.
Doug says: If the bulb was a new one ...
Growing tulips in water
I purchased tulips growing in water. The tulips sit on a grate about 1 inch above the water. How can I recreate this with new bulbs. Thank you
Doug ...
growing tulips in water i had stored the tulip bulbs in the refridgerater since early fall. then two weeks ago i put them in the container that has the grate in the bottom of ...
Force bloom tulips Is there any way to speed up the cooling period you mention of 14 - 15 weeks at 40 degrees ? Would colder for a shorter period work ? Do they require ...
Agapanthus - in doors, over winter. I am trying to over-winter Agapanthus in Regina, Sask. I have not watered the plants since late Sepember. One set bloomed, and died back. I cut the ...
Indoor Grown Tulips for Wedding I am getting married in June and plan on using tulips as the main flower, since I know they are hard to find in June I plan to grow them indoors myself....
too late to plant refrigerated bare bulbs? I've had great success forcing hyacinths. I always pot them in soil before I refrigerate them, and I give them a little water once a week for 12 weeks ...
Growing Tulips indoors in water I have a glass container with a plastic grid which I bought at Costco's that grew tulips in water. I want to repeat this in February. How do I do this ...
Caring for Potted Tulips I just received a tulip plant already in bloom there are 6 long stem slightly opened tulips. Color is deep red with bone to yellowish shading. How do ...
indoor forcing repeated after i enjoy the blooms on my bulbs this winter, I cut off dead blooms and tied up foliage to let them rest. I think the foliage is feeding the bulb. when ...
tulips in water pot
Our tulips are blooming. What do I do with them after they bloom? Can they be transferred outdoors?
Doug says there are several articles you might ...
Good bulbs for gifts/container in October I know someone already asked you this question regarding a July wedding, but I'm getting married in October and also considering bulbs as favors. Lots ...
Indoor Tulips in Water
My grandson gave me tulip bulbs in water for Christmas. They bloomed within a few weeks. What do with the bulbs now?
Doug says - you aren't going ...
Wedding Favors in July I am planning on making bulb kits (in 4in. coir pots) to give as favors for my wedding in late July. Can you suggest a easy to grow indoor bulb that are ...
Forcing Hyacinth bulbs
Hi. My daughter has bought home a lovely hyacinth vase that she decorated in Brownies complete with bulb.
I seem to recall that I have to do something ...
Amaryllis belladonna as indoor plant Hi, I have had Amaryllis belladonna for 2 years. However it has not flowered yet. Since I live in hardiness zone 3 I keep it indoors, facing South. It ...
Indoor Tulip Growing and Storing
My tulip that was a gift already potted, has turned brown and "died" How can i keep the bulb until spring?
Doug says - keep it cool and dry. But if ...
Newbie looking for gardening tips and ideas i have one hyacinth, and one tulip in a 10" pot in a south window. the flowers are beautiful and the smell in the morning is heavenly. the problem is, now ...
yellow flowers
I have an indoor bulb that is done flowering I think,
will it rebloom or should I stop watering it.
it is about 2ft tall with little yellow flowers kinda ...
Can potted tulips be planted outside I received a tulip plant for Easter and all the petals have fallen off. I don't know what to do with it now. I was told to cut them down and then I can ...
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