Grow Spring Bulbs in Water

The bulb itself contains enough nutrients to feed the plant until flowering is complete. However, few bulbs lend themselves to this type of treatment. The most popular and most successful grown by this method is the Paper White Narcissus. Both this variety and a closely related yellow variety, Grand Soleil d'Or, are often sold in nurseries and garden centers for this purpose.

Both Paper White and Soleil d'Or belong to the Tazetta division of narcissus. They are native to warm climates and therefore do not need a cool temperature treatment. Their clusters of small fragrant flowers make a pleasant midwinter addition to any home. Hyacinths may also be grown in water for midwinter bloom, but generally their culture is slightly more difficult than that of the Paper White Narcissus.

Water culture of Paper White Narcissus is simple. Select a bowl 2 to 3 inches deep and add clean, washed sand, pea gravel or other coarse material. Place the bulbs in the material so the tops and necks are well exposed. Add water to just below the surface of the gravel. Replace water as needed to maintain a fairly uniform level. Keep the container in a cool (about 60 degrees Fahrenheit), well-lighted place. Bulbs planted in October should flower in six to eight weeks. If later blooms are desired, store the bulbs at about 50 degrees and plant as needed. Later in the winter the bulbs often flower in only about four weeks.

Hyacinth bulbs must be kept above the water level during forcing. For this reason special glasses, called hyacinth glasses, have been developed. If they are not available in your area, make supports to hold the bulbs above water level or try to find glasses with mouths tight enough to hold bulbs above water. Hyacinth bulbs specially prepared for forcing are sometimes available. These should be put into the glasses and treated as Paper Whites or according to directions usually provided.

Hyacinth bulbs not specially prepared need a cool temperature treatment to flower properly. For forcing, use only the largest bulbs available. Peel off the loose portions of the papering that may foul the water if dropped into it. Use only one bulb per glass. Place the bulb so that the water level is just barely touching the base. Later, as roots develop, the water level should drop so only the roots, not the base of the bulb, are in the water. For the first two to three weeks allow the bulbs to remain at temperatures from 50 to 60 degrees. During this time, root growth should begin.

After roots are well develop, move the glasses to a dark location where temperatures range from 40 to 45 degrees. If no other location is available (and there are not too many glasses) a refrigerator might be used. Keep the water level constant, and change water any time it may appear to sour. After 10 to 12 weeks remove the bulbs and place them in a well-lighted spot at 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They should flower in three to four weeks.

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