Bulb‑Forcing Timetable: Chill Weeks and Bloom Times

After planting bulbs in moist potting soil, chill them for the number of weeks listed below. Start chilling at ~50°F to encourage rapid root growth, then drop to 35–45°F by week 3–4. Never let temperature fall below freezing. Check monthly for soil moisture and root growth. When roots envelop the soil ball and emerge from drainage holes, and green shoots appear, bring pots to a warm, bright room. Blooms follow in 2–3 weeks.

Download a printable chart of top forcing bulbs with chill weeks and bloom times (requires Adobe Acrobat).