Forcing Bulbs

• 1). Fill a flower pot half full with a well-draining, quality potting mix. Use a container with bottom drainage holes that is twice as deep as the flower bulbs you are forcing.
  
  
• 2). Set the flower bulbs on the soil surface with the pointed end of the bulb facing up and so it is even with the rim of the pot. Add additional soil if needed. Set larger bulbs, such as daffodil, 2 inches apart in the pot and set small bulbs, such as crocus, 1 inch apart.
  
  
• 3). Fill around the bulbs with potting mix until just the tips of the bulb are visible. Water until it just begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, ensuring the soil is evenly moist and that any air pockets in the potting mix collapse.
  
  
• 4). Set the pots in a 40- to 45-degree location for 12 to 16 weeks, as a cold period is necessary to induce blooming. Water enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy while chilling them.
  
  
• 5). Move the pots to a 55-degree room with low light after 12 weeks, or once roots begin showing in the drainage holes. Leave them there for five days then move them to a 60- to 65-degree area with bright light. Water as needed to maintain moisture until flowers begin blooming, usually within three weeks.
  
  

Forcing Flowering Branches

• 1). Cut branches from trees after buds have developed, usually eight weeks after average outdoor temperatures drop below 40 degrees. Cut a 12-inch-long branch that has a large amount of large, round flower buds on it.
  
  
• 2). Submerge the branches completely in water overnight to break dormancy. Use a bath tub, roasting pan or other large container to hold the water.
  
  
• 3). Fill a bucket with water. Set the soaked branches upright in the bucket after they are done soaking and then place them in a 60- to 65-degree, brightly lit room but out of direct sunlight.
  
  
• 4). Mist the branches with water from a spray bottle three or more times a day. This keeps the buds moist and encourages blooming. Replace the water in the bucket if it becomes dirty or cloudy.
  
  
• 5). Move branches to display vase or container once they begin to flower, approximately two to four weeks after forcing. Keep them in a 40- to 60-degree, brightly lit room away from direct sunlight.