Happy Saturday // Happy Weekend!
There are so many beautiful spring bulbs out there but sometimes, if you’re like me, you want to enjoy your favorite bulbs indoors year round. I have planted onions and tomatoes in water indoors in the past, but this will be my first attempt at planting tulips.
When we first moved into our home, I planted a tulip bulb in water, but I forgot one important step. And so this time around I am going to plant {or force it} the right way and share that crucial step with you.

{this is the tulip bulb I planted a few weeks ago // and the onion started to sprout on me so decided to let it grow. I will let it grow as long as it wants to then I will transplant outside.}
But first…what does forcing mean?
Forcing basically mean you’re tricking the bulbs to think it’s spring. {This is perfect for the holidays, like around mid-November where you have at least 4-6 weeks for the bulbs to bloom by Christmas.) Now obviously we are in February, but it’s not going to stop me from trying my green thumb at this project. I am doing it because come spring I want my home to be in full bloom to mirror the outdoors when all the plants / bulbs / trees begin to bloom!
If you are interested, some popular bulbs to force indoors are Paperwhite narcissus, hyacinths {they are so fragrant), daffodils and of course, tulips.
Materials

• Tulip bulbs {or hyacinth or Daffodil}
• Glass vase or bowl (in your choice of size / shape / color)
• Decorative stones
• Water

How to force bulbs in water

• Step 1. Place decorative stones on the base of the vase.
• Step 2. Place tulip root facing down {pointy end up} – you don’t have to push it into the stones, just gently place them on top of the stones.
• Step 3. Add water – do NOT cover the bulb in water! I made this mistake, but only to cover just the root of the bulb.
• Step 4. Place the vase in the refrigerator – this is the most important step because it tricks them into thinking it’s winter! it is important to grow them in a controlled environment like the refrigerator where it’s 45-55 degrees.

{Depending on the variety of your tulips, it should take anywhere  from 4-6 weeks for your tulips to bloom. Take your tulips out of the refrigerator after they have flowers then you can move it to a warm, well-light area. Now, do keep in mind that the water in the vase will probably evaporate so feel free to fill it up as needed.}








{I love this distressed white tapered metal terrarium I purchased from Home Depot // instead of a plant, I got these mini plants to grow them in.}


{my first bulbs this season – I planted this tulip bulb a few weeks ago.}

{this onion started to sprout on me so decided to let it grow. I will let it grow as long as it wants to then I will transplant outside.}

I envision planting tons of wildflowers, tulips and other bulbs, and stargazer lilies around our house this spring, so my plan is to plant some bulbs in soil in March where I can transplant to  the beds outside. And I will probably plant bulbs that can be used outside on our patios as a center piece. Plus, with more bulbs and plants around the house I will save myself some money on fresh cut flowers.
You can follow the steps below if you  are interested in planting your tulip bulbs in soil.
How to grow tulips in soil

• Step 1. Loosen soil to a depth of approximately 12 inches.
• Step 2. Dig a hole {or make a hole if using container} in the loosened soil to the required depth and place your bulbs in the soil, pointed side up.
• Step 3. Cover with soil, then give it a good drink of water

This is such a great way to bring some beautiful spring flowers indoors and I hope you all can try it. If you do, please let me know how yours turns out.
Happy forcing!
‘til next post!
XoGlor