How To Grow Prepared Bulbs To Flower In January

Question

I have bought some prepared hyacinths and paper white daffodils to grow and hopefully flower in January. My granddaughter is getting married on 21st Jan 2023 and I am decorating the church etc. I worked out to set them around The first week in October? Do I store the bulbs somewhere cool until then? Also do I start them off in the dark or light?

Answer 1

October 1 is correct for forcing time for the hyacinths. Hyacinths need 13 weeks of chill time plus about three weeks to bloom.

The paperwhites only take four to six weeks to bloom so you don't need to plant them in containers till mid December. One article I read said not to buy the bulbs too far in advance because they begin to lose their viability after two months in storage. Store them in a cool

They don't need darkness the first two weeks but they should be out of direct sun or bright light and in a cool area. Once you see green growth, you can move them to a warmer, sunnier spot.

Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/paperwhites/forcing-paperwhite-bulbs.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/hyacinth/hyacinth-forcing-indoors.htm