How to Force Tulips to Bloom Indoors

Force tulip bulbs in pots by potting in October. The University of Missouri recommends using small 4-inch pots with good drainage. Fill pots with soil and arrange bulbs with the flat sides facing out of the pot. Leave just the tip of the bulb visible above the soil line.

Water potted bulbs thoroughly and allow to drain. Keep the soil moist but not so wet that root rot occurs. Pots that will be left outside over the winter will not need to be watered again. as they will receive precipitation.

Move the pots to a dark, cool area such as the basement or an old refrigerator to allow roots to sprout before they enter a dormant period. Tulip bulbs can be left outdoors if your winters are cold or near freezing for at least 12 weeks over the winter. You can protect your potted bulbs with a layer of straw, leaves or mulch.

Move potted tulips to an area of the house that has a bright window with temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t place them near a heater or in full sunlight, and move them to a colder room at night to extend bloom time. If potted bulbs are frozen, they should be thawed slowly in a 40 degree Fahrenheit room and then moved to the warmer room.

Chill tulip bulbs in the refrigerator for 12 weeks beginning in mid winter if you plan to place them in the ground for spring blooming. The vegetable drawer is the coldest area that won’t allow freezing and is suitable for cold forcing. After 12 weeks has passed and when the ground is no longer frozen, tulips can be planted about 6 inches deep into the ground for spring blooming.