This time of year, a dose of spring is a good thing. Unfortunately, the weather is rarely ready to cooperate, and flowers are not always forthcoming. The solution is as simple as a trip to the grocery store or nearest plant shop. Forced bulbs take center stage. Daffodils in all sizes and shapes bring sunshine indoors. Choose big-blossomed selections such as 'Dutch Master' or 'King Alfred' for a large display. On a smaller scale, miniature 'Tête à Tête' narcissus are laden with blooms.
Hyacinths spread their heady perfume from room to room, and usually, one bulb is plenty. If the container you chose has more, gently divide them and replant in smaller pots. The bulbs and blooms won't suffer from being disturbed. Spread them throughout the house, or share with a friend. You may also enjoy another relative, the petite grape hyacinth. This blue-flowered bulb looks lovely in a basket with tiny daffodils and does not have a strong hyacinth scent.
For the longest bloom time, purchase plants with buds and healthy, dark green foliage. Care for these springtime flowers is easy. Most containers are packed with bulbs, and the planting medium dries out quickly. Keep soil moist; small pots may require water every day. Soak them thoroughly, and drain well.
There is a bonus to buying forced bulbs. Enjoy their flowers indoors, and when the danger of frost has passed, plant them in your garden for future blooms. To store bulbs, remove faded flowers, and leave all foliage intact. Put the pots in a cool, out-of-the-way place, and water the bulbs occasionally to prevent them from dehydrating. When the weather and soil warm, plant in the garden, and allow the foliage to die before removing.
