What To Do With Forced Bulbs

I’m sure you’ve given them as gifts, and received them as gifts too. Those fantabulous spring jewels that have a brief but spectacular showing...they line the shelves almost everywhere at Easter time, perfuming the air with the unmistakable scent that screams spring. In the greenhouse, I’ve had the pleasure of watching people enter, and then watching their face soften as the wafting bouquet reaches them. –Smile-

With Easter come and gone, soon those beautiful blooms will be too. Then what?

Here are some common questions we get this time of year:

Can I plant my potted bulbs outside right now? Yes. And, no. Our weather has been a little unpredictable lately, yes? If you buy potted bulbs that are budded or tightly budded, then go for it! If they’ve been forced in a greenhouse and are fully open…and then we get another snow storm (kidding). Well, let’s just say, you’ll have longer enjoyment of your flowers if you let them finish blooming indoors.

Will they come back next year? You bet! Just keep on reading for proper care.

What do I do when the flowers are done? Some people will treat their potted bulbs just like they would a bouquet, and dispose of them when they’re done blooming. But why not plant those bulbs in the garden to enjoy year after year. Plant outside as soon as they’re done blooming.

Can I cut the greens back when the flowers are done blooming? Not if you want big beautiful blooms again next spring! The bulbs get their energy from the greens, and they should be allowed to die back naturally. It’s kind of an insurance policy for future blooms. This goes for bulbs that are already in the garden too.

Can I treat my bulbs as a houseplant and have them bloom again next spring, as is? One of the perks of living in zone 6 – spring bulbs! We have them because of winter. Because it gets cold, we get flowers. Bulbs need a cooling period, and yes, it is possible to mimic winter, but honestly, I think it’s just easier to plant them outdoors!

Hope all this helps! Enjoy these blooming beauties in your home, and then expand your garden by planting them after. 

About the author: Heather Thibeault gardens as a sport at her home in Southeastern Connecticut,  and is also the blogger for Burnett's Country Gardens.