Forcing bulbs indoors in water is an easy way to enjoy early spring blooms. It is common to bring in a branch of forsythia or other early blooming plant and force it to flower in a vase of water, but can flower bulbs grow in water? Growing bulbs in water is easy but you need to provide the proper amount of chilling time and choose big, fat, healthy bulbs for the project.
Can Flower Bulbs Grow in Water?
Even a novice gardener can learn how to grow flower bulbs in water. You only need a few materials, some fresh water and your choice of bulbs. Not all spring bulbs are good choices for forcing but you can try daffodils, tulips, hyacinth, crocus, and many more. Provide the right container, lighting and clean water and properly chilled bulbs can fill your home with their winter blasting color and form.
While most bulbs are grown in soil, the bulb itself is actually a storage unit with plentiful carbohydrates for growth and root forming cells. The plants won’t last long but the fuel inside the bulb is enough to produce some foliage and flowers indoors for a period of time. The first step is to pick good healthy bulbs without any mold or soft spots. The bulbs should be large and without blemish. If the bulb is not pre-chilled, use the following chart or give the bulb 3 months on average for chilling:
- Daffodils – 12-15 weeks
- Tulips – 10-16 weeks
- Crocus – 8-15 weeks
- Grape hyacinth – 8-15 weeks
- Iris – 13-15 weeks
- Snowdrop – 15 weeks
- Hyacinth – 12-15 weeks
Forcing flower bulbs in water still requires the plant to experience cold to force the embryo inside to break dormancy when faced with warmer temperatures. Place the bulbs in a paper bag in the refrigerator to trick them into releasing dormancy early.
Choosing Containers for Growing Bulbs in Water
Bulbs that grow without the stabilizing strength of soil tend to flop over, resulting in a less than appealing display. In order to prevent this, use a container that is at least as tall as the flower stalks will grow.
A clear container is fun, because it allows you to watch the roots and shoots form, but you can use any container that will support the leaves and stems and holds water. There are specific vases shaped like an hour glass which support the bulb growth while forcing flower bulbs in water and have an attractive appearance.
How to Grow Flower Bulbs in Water
Forcing bulbs indoors in water may be done by simply submerging the root zone or you can get fancy and suspend the bulb above the water so only the roots are in liquid. This method prevents possible rotting from extended submersion. The vases made for forcing bulbs suspend the bulb over the water source. You may also take a tall vase and fill the bottom with pebbles or decorative glass beads. The roots will grow into the pebble and water mixture while the bulb stays high and dry.
Arrange the bulbs with the pointed side up on top of the pebbles or beads, add just enough water to just under the bottoms of the bulbs. Keep the container in a room with bright, indirect light and watch the roots form. Add water as necessary to keep the level just where the root zone is forming.
Over time you will see leaves and stems. Move the plant to a lighter area where temperatures are at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 C.). Turn the vase so the stems grow straight and don’t lean towards the sun. Most bulbs will flower in 2 to 3 weeks after their chilling period.