7 Steps for Growing Bulbs in Vases

Houseplants
Bulb In Vase

You can effectively grow bulbs in vases for some interesting decoration, gifts or for adding some spring colors to the holiday season.

If you wish to grow some of your favorite bulbs in vases, it's best to start in October.

There are many different bulbs you can choose to grow in vases, such as daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinths, lily of the valley and many more. Bulbs grown in vases will flower in about 6 weeks.

There are special vases available for this purpose, but you may also use any regular vase. The only important thing is that a bulb can fit inside.

Growing Bulbs in Vases

Here are 7 easy steps to make growing bulbs in vases easy and effective:

  1. Gently place bulbs in a paper bag with air holes. You may also use a mesh bag. Put them inside your refrigerator's vegetable drawer. This is best done at the end of August. The best temperature for bulbs is 35 to 48 F. They need to be in the refrigerator for at least 12-13 weeks so they will bloom after you put them in a vase.
  2. Prepare the vase. Fill the bottom half with marbles, pebbles or crushed rocks. Make sure they are small enough so you can easily take them out later.
  3. Carefully bury the bulbs about one-quarter of the way in the pebbles. Make sure that the basal area (or area where the roots sprout) is down in the pebbles. Ensure that the pointy end is upward. It's important to make sure that the basal end comes in direct contact with the water.
  4. Pour water slowly, about up to the top of the pebbles. You should keep the water at this level for as long as you wish to grow the bulbs.
  5. Put the vase with the bulbs in a dark, cold room. It has to stay there for several weeks while the roots form. Check the progress regularly. You should be able to see the roots entwined in the pebbles.
  6. When the bulbs start sending up flower stems, move the vase to a sunnier place.
  7. When the bulbs bloom, gently take them out and either discard them or plant them in your garden. It's important to keep in mind that bulbs are considered spent after being forced indoors. On the other hand, it's possible to save several bulbs after blooming, like the amaryllis.

Photo credit: Katia Strieck

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