Forced Narcissus Blooms For The Holidays
Dec 19, 2023
Looking for a unique Christmas gift idea? You're in the right place. In this blog post, I'll show you how to force narcissus bulbs into early bloom, creating a beautiful and fragrant gift that anyone will cherish. Forced narcissus blooms are a great way to bring a bit of the outdoors inside during the winter months. They are also a great gift for the holidays, as they are easy to care for and will last for weeks. Let's get down to the business of forcing narcissus blooms, how to care for them, and how to make them into a beautiful holiday gift.
Let's get started!
Materials You'll Need:
- Narcissus Bulbs
- A Pot or Any Container
- Potting Soil
- Pebbles or Stones or Moss
- Decorative Ribbon and Tags (for gift presentation)
Forcing narcissus blooms is a relatively simple process. First, you will need to purchase bulbs from a garden center or nursery. Once you have the bulbs, you will need to prepare them for forcing. This involves soaking them in a bucket of warm water for 12-24 hours.
Then just pot them and move them to a sunny spot to watch them bloom.
Steps To Force Narcissus Bulbs:
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Choose the Right Bulbs: You'll want to start with healthy narcissus bulbs, which are available at most garden centers or online. They're a classic choice for forcing because of their striking flowers and delightful fragrance. If you see bulbs already showing signs of sprouting, grab those.
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Select a Container: Find a beautiful container to accommodate the bulbs with some space between them. Anything from a teacup to a large pot will work.
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Add Potting Soil: Fill the container with potting soil, leaving enough room at the top for the bulbs. The bulbs should be planted touching each other from the most beautiful display and should be nestled about 1 inch below the surface of the soil.
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Position the Bulbs: Gently place the narcissus bulbs on top of the soil, spacing them evenly.
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Cover with Soil: Carefully cover the bulbs with more potting soil, leaving just the tips of the bulbs exposed. Water the soil thoroughly but don't soak it. Ensure that the soil stays slightly moist, not waterlogged. *Remember most of the containers used will not have holes in the bottom, so you will never "water" your bulbs. Only mist them to keep the soil moist.
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Add Pebbles, Stones, or Moss: Once you've moistened the soil, cover with a layer of pebbles, stones, or moss. This not only adds a decorative element but also helps to anchor the bulbs and prevents them from toppling over as they grow.
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Water Regularly: Water your bulbs regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. To do this, but be able to plant in a beautiful pot that does not have drainage holes, the best method is to add ice cubes to the top of the soil every couple days. This will ensure that the soil stays moist but doesn't get soggy.
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Gift Presentation: Once the blooms are in full swing, you can wrap the pot with decorative ribbon and add a personalized tag for a wonderful Christmas gift for your fellow gardener friends. Or even gift the beautiful bunch before the blooms appear! It is so fun to wait on them!
Forcing narcissus bulbs is not only a great gardening project but also a unique and heartfelt Christmas gift idea. With a bit of patience and creativity, you can brighten up the holiday season for your loved ones with the natural beauty of these charming flowers. So, grab those bulbs, some potting soil, and get ready to spread joy and greenery this Christmas. Happy gardening and happy gifting!
Need more last minute gifts for the wild child on your list? Check out the Wild Child Gift Guide HERE for gifts that are as fun to give as they are to receive!
