Combined with tree care for existing forestry and shrubs, adding new flowers can transform yards into showpieces when spring rolls around. By growing bulbs indoors, you give them a safe place to sprout, and once they begin flowering, you can transplant them outdoors. The following recommendations can make growing bulbs indoors an easy and enjoyable endeavor, even for beginners. 

How to Grow Bulbs Inside for Transplanting Outside

1. Select Your Bulbs

When buying your bulbs, choose ones that are firm with no signs of mold or shriveling. Two types of bulbs are available for indoor planting—those that require chilling and ones that don’t. Clarify with your supplier that the bulbs you choose are prepared for chilling, which forces flowers to emerge earlier than they usually would.

2. Prepare Bulbs With a Chilling Period

Whether you’re dealing with tree care or growing flowers for your garden, plants need careful attention and preparation to grow. Chilling imitates the cold, dormant period the bulb would naturally experience, and every flower will require different chilling periods. For example, daffodils require between 15 and 17 weeks of chilling at 40 degrees in a fridge. Research the species of the bulb to make sure you don’t freeze it by chilling too long.

3. Choose the Right-Sized Pot

You can plant up to eight bulbs in one 6-inch pot, but if you are only growing one bulb, a 4-inch pot will suffice.  The container should be between 4 and 6 inches deep with at least 2 inches beneath the bulb to allow roots to grow.

4. Use Well-Draining Soil

Well-draining soil will keep your new flower alive and healthy indoors. Alaska’s soil tends to be acidic, so add some lime to soften it if you’re using some from your garden. Adding organic matter such as perlite into store-bought potting soil will also help increase drainage throughout the pot.

5. Keep Them Moist

Well-drained soil will help protect the bulbs from overwatering. Even so, water the bulbs carefully, keeping it moist without soaking it in water. If you need advice on the amount of water needed, consult a landscaper or tree care specialist for advice.

 

If you’re planting bulbs to move outdoors, the tree care specialists at Carlos Tree Service in Anchorage, AK, can help. Their team of arborists has been serving the Alaska community for more than 25 years. They help with all the forestry on your property, whether you need tree trimming, insect control, or stump grinding. Additionally, they offer full refunds for any work you are unhappy with. Call (907) 522-6049 to schedule a consultation, and visit them online to learn more about their team.