DATE:     10/16/97
WRITER:   Dr. David W. Bradshaw, (864) 656-2604 
  
There's Still Time To Force 
Fresh Flowers For The Holidays 
  
      CLEMSON -- Many letters have asked about forcing bulbs so
fresh flowers can be had indoors for the holidays. Options are
limited at this late date.
     However, Paperwhite narcissus bulbs can be forced in a few
short weeks just in time for Thanksgiving. 
     Buy some top grade bulbs from your local garden center, and
plant up to six bulbs in an eight inch clay pot. Well amended
potting soil should be used, although Paperwhites can be forced
in just plain water. 
     Pots should be placed in full sun in a warm room. The higher
the temperature, the quicker the plants will flower. Caution: Low
light intensity and very high temperatures can cause Paperwhites
to become quite leggy and to droop. They can be forced to flower
in the average home situation in two to three weeks. 
     If flowers are needed for the Christmas holidays, you have a
little more flexibility, but nature still limits the types of
bulbs which can be forced. 
     Most daffodils and tulips require a total of 14 - 16 weeks
from potting to flowering, so I don't recommend forcing bulbs
acquired at a local garden center. You may be able to buy some
bulbs already potted and preconditioned at a local nursery. 
     There is time to force amaryllis bulbs for Christmas. 
     Large, healthy bulbs should be potted individually in 6-8
inch clay pots using well amended potting soil. The bulb should
be planted with the neck and part of the bulb exposed above the
soil line. 
     After planting, the pots should be well watered and placed
in a cool, dark location for several weeks. This gives time to
promote vigorous root growth before flower stalks and foliage are
stimulated to grow. Three weeks before flowers are needed, the
pots should be brought out into a bright, sunny window in a warm
room. 
     You will be amazed at the rapid growth and development of
the flower stalks. Be sure to keep the soil well watered to
support this rapid growth rate. 
     Crocus corms, a large assortment of daffodils, tulips and
hyacinths could be acquired now to pot up for Easter color. These
bulbs could be potted and placed in a protected area outside over
winter and brought indoors for holiday color. -- Dr. David W.
Bradshaw, Clemson University horticulturist. 
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      If you have gardening questions or comments, write to
Agricultural News & Publications, Clemson University, A-101 Poole
Agricultural Center, Box 340311, Clemson University, Clemson,
S.C. 29634-0311.
                              END