Forcing bulbs? Sounds rough.
In today's garden column in The Baltimore Sun, I write about forcing bulbs (that sounds so barbaric) during the winter months, and I admit to purchasing some paperwhite kits (they are everywhere!) myself.
I have always thought of forcing bulbs as AP Gardening. Something you do after you have gotten really good at getting flowers to bloom during the right season.
But I was convinced to try after getting encouragement from Scott Kunst in his newsletter from Old House Gardens, which sells heirloom bulbs. Scott says forcing bulbs is something gardeners regularly promise themselves they will try - but never get around to it.
Paperwhites are easy to force. They don't require the 10-16 week hibernation period that other bulbs do. Just plant and water.
But when Scott sent me pictures of these antique hyacinth vases, I realized what I have been missing. How lovely and old-fashioned!
If you'd like to learn more about forcing bulbs -- and see some antique illustrations -- go to the Old House Gardens Web site.Then stop talking about forcing bulbs and take the plunge.
Continue reading and you will see photos of two of Scott's favorite hyacinths for forcing, the pink Lady Derby and the pure white Linnocence.
Comments
I remember forcing paperwhites when I was a Girl Scout, so I don't think it can be all that hard. The hyacinths, though....they'd make the house smell good.
Posted by: Eve | December 3, 2009 10:40 AM
I forgot to buy some hyacinths for forcing and forgot. Does anyone know a local place that still has some bulbs available?
I'm not interested in a kit as I have quite a few bulb vases already. No paperwhites for me - my husband claims the smells makes him ill.
Thanks!
Posted by: Maureen | December 4, 2009 9:16 AM