You don’t need a greenhouse to grow these beauties. Some chilling of the bulbs beforehand, for sure, but imagine a cold winter day with these forced bulbs in full bloom. And many can be planted in the garden afterwards for bloom the following seasons.
Narcissus ‘Ziva’
(Paperwhites)
Height: 16 to 18”
A holiday classic, ‘Ziva’ is one of the stronger scented paperwhites, which isn’t to everyone’s taste. If you prefer a milder fragrance, try N. ‘Inbal.’
Muscari ‘Pink Sunrise’
(Pink Sunrise Grape Hyacinth)
Height: 4 to 5”
Normally seen in shades of blue or a stark white, this soft pink grape hyacinth is a charmer. After chilling the plant in soil in a pot, you can then sink it into your favorite decorative cachepot.
Iris Reticulata ‘Pauline’
(Dwarf Iris ‘Pauline’)
Height: 4 to 8”
These deep purple dwarf irises with a white splotch mark look great growing from a shallow dish filled with pebbles and water. Their lovely fragrance is an added plus.
Narcissus ‘February Gold’
(February Gold Daffodil)
Height: 8 to 12”
An early harbinger of spring, February gold daffodils might not bloom outdoors as early as the name indicates, but indoors you certainly can time them for a Valentine’s Day surprise.
Tulipa ‘Salmon Dynasty’
(Salmon Dynasty Tulip)
Height: 20”
Triumph tulips are the preferred tulips for forcing. The gradated pink-to-orange coloring on this one will cheer up any dull winter day.
Fritillaria Meleagris
(Guinea hen flower)
Height: 10 to 12”
The checkered petals on these flowers resemble the feathers of guinea fowl. Usually a purple on purple pattern, they sometimes come in white (just like a real flock of guinea hens).
Anemone Coronaria Bicolor
(Anemone)
Height: 8”
Their dramatic red-and-white coloring with a purple-black eye is arresting in any décor. Great for a porcelain pot, but be sure it has a drainage hole.
Puschkinia Scilloides Var Libanotica
(Striped Squill)
Height: 4 to 6”
The epitome of charm, these squills with their Delft coloring are seldom forced, but why not? Pot them up and put in a trench covered with mulch. A few months later, when the leaves start to sprout, bring them inside and enjoy.