Kim Cromwell, Junior Garden Clubs Chair

Hey parents, grandparents, and child care providers!  Wintertime is the perfect time to provide an indoor nature lesson.  Why not force some bulbs inside? The kids can get involved with the preparation.  Paperwhite types are especially easy to grow. They can be bought as loose bulbs or as part of a pre-packaged forcing kit. They are often found in displays along with gravel, containers and other bulbs for forcing. Paperwhites are best forced in a shallow pot or bowl with no drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the pot two thirds full with gravel, stones or even fun things like marbles! Place as many bulbs as will fit on the gravel with the pointed side up. Then fill in gravel around them leaving the tops exposed. Add water up to the base of the bulbs and maintain water at this level.

Place the container in a cool place. Within days roots will appear.  As they grow, they will sometimes push the bulbs upward.  When the green shoots appear, move your project to a cool, sunny spot.  The shoots will develop rapidly and in about three more weeks, you’ll have masses of heavily-scented sweet white flowers.

Paperwhites are also perfect take home projects for group activities such as scout troops, clubs, birthday parties and other get togethers.  Simply add some gravel, one bulb, and some water to an inexpensive vase or clear cup.

If you have luck with these, then try an amaryllis, hyacinths, or even daffodils.  Children will be fascinated by the growth of the bulbs each day and are amazed at how fast these grow, especially the beautiful amaryllis and all of its blooms.