When & How to Force Amaryllis & Paperwhite Bulbs Indoors
Brighten Winter Days with Forced Bulbs
When the garden goes quiet and the days turn chilly, it’s the perfect time to bring a little bloom and cheer indoors. Forcing bulbs, especially amaryllis and paperwhites, is an easy, rewarding way to enjoy fresh flowers during the cold winter months. With just a little planning, you can stagger your planting dates and keep something blooming all season long! Let me show you how easy it is to force bulbs indoors!
What Does “Forcing Bulbs” Mean?
“Forcing” simply means encouraging bulbs to bloom earlier than they would outdoors by giving them the right growing conditions inside your home. Think of it as giving them a gentle nudge with the right amount of chill, then warmth, water, and light, to wake up early and put on a show.
Paperwhites: Fast, Fragrant, and Foolproof
Paperwhites are one of the easiest bulbs to force. They don’t need any chilling period, so you can plant them anytime through the fall and winter. Once planted, they’ll start to bloom in about 3 to 4 weeks.
To plan for steady blooms, plant a few bulbs every couple of weeks. That way, when one group finishes flowering, the next batch is just starting to open.
Tips for Success:
Use a shallow bowl or glass vase filled with pebbles or decorative stones.
Nestle the bulbs so the tops are just above the surface and add water until it barely touches the base of the bulbs.
Keep them in a cool, bright spot until they sprout, then move to a warmer area once growth begins.
Amaryllis: Big, Bold, and Beautiful
Amaryllis bulbs take a little longer but are worth every bit of the wait. Once planted, they’ll usually bloom in 6 to 8 weeks. Just like paperwhites, you can stagger plantings through fall and winter for continuous color.
Planting Tips:
Choose a pot that’s just a bit larger than the bulb with good drainage.
Plant so the top third of the bulb stays above the soil line.
Water sparingly until you see new growth, then water regularly as the flower stalk develops.
Keep in a warm, sunny window and turn the pot occasionally so the stalk grows straight.
Forced Bulb Calendars
How to force bulbs: Paperwhites
It typically takes amaryllis bulbs 3-4 weeks to bloom indoors.
If you plant your first batch of paperwhites around November 1, they’ll bloom right around Thanksgiving or early December. Tuck in another round in mid-December for a fresh wave of New Year blooms, and one more in late January to bring a little brightness to those dreary grey days of February.
It’s an easy way to keep something beautiful blooming all season long… one cheerful vase at a time.
Use this simple Paperwhite Bulb Forcing Calendar to plan your plantings and enjoy fresh blooms all winter long.
How to force bulbs: Amaryllis
It typically takes amaryllis bulbs 6-8 weeks to bloom indoors.
Start your first amaryllis bulbs around November 1, and you’ll enjoy those stunning blooms just in time for Christmas. Plant another round in mid-December for Valentine’s color, and a final batch in late January to carry you into early spring with big, beautiful blooms.
By staggering your plantings, you can enjoy the rich color of amaryllis month after month!
With just a few bulbs, a sunny window, and a little care, you can have fresh flowers all season long. Whether it’s the soft fragrance of paperwhites or the bold color of amaryllis, forcing bulbs indoors is one of those simple joys that makes winter feel brighter.
Here’s a quick guide to help you time your forced amaryllis bulbs for every occasion, from Thanksgiving to spring.
Amaryllis Bulbs make great holiday gifts!
Amaryllis bulbs in a beautiful bulb vase are one of my most favorite holiday hostess gift ideas! Click here to see how I create this festive gift idea.
Forcing bulbs indoors is one of the easiest ways to bring life and color to your home during the colder months. Whether you’re planting amaryllis for bold, dramatic blooms or paperwhites for soft fragrance and charm, a few bulbs can completely brighten your winter days. Follow the amaryllis and paperwhite forcing calendars to enjoy continuous blooms from November through early spring, and experience a little garden magic right on your windowsill.
FAQs about forced bulbs
1. What does “forcing bulbs” mean?
Forcing bulbs simply means encouraging spring-flowering bulbs like amaryllis and paperwhites to bloom indoors ahead of schedule. With a little warmth, light, and water, you can enjoy bright flowers in the middle of winter when everything outside is quiet.
2. When should I start forcing bulbs indoors?
A good time to start is around November 1. Planting in early November will give you holiday blooms by Christmas. If you stagger your plantings every few weeks, you’ll have fresh flowers all the way through February and March.
3. Do amaryllis and paperwhites need to be chilled before planting?
Paperwhites do not need any chilling—they’re ready to plant right away. Amaryllis bulbs also don’t require chilling like tulips or hyacinths do. You can simply pot them up, water lightly, and wait for signs of growth.
4. How long does it take for bulbs to bloom indoors?
Paperwhites usually bloom in about 3 to 4 weeks, while amaryllis take a bit longer—around 6 to 8 weeks. The timing depends on the temperature and light in your home, so slightly warmer rooms will bring faster blooms.
5. Can I reuse my bulbs after they bloom?
Yes! Once the blooms fade, cut off the spent flowers but keep watering the leaves until they yellow naturally. After that, allow the bulbs to rest in a cool, dark spot. Amaryllis bulbs can often be replanted the next year, while paperwhites are typically treated as one-time bloomers.
6. Can I force other spring bulbs? What are their bloom times?
Many spring-flowering bulbs can be “forced” indoors for early blooms, not just amaryllis and paperwhites. I don’t force spring bulbs until after the first of the year to give the holiday flowers time to shine! But if you want to force other spring bulbs indoors, here are some of the most popular ones to try:
Hyacinths- Known for their incredible fragrance and dense blooms, hyacinths are a wonderful choice for forcing. They do require a cold period—about 10 to 12 weeks in a refrigerator or unheated garage—before being brought inside to bloom.
Tulips- Tulips can also be forced, though they’re a little more particular. They need 12 to 16 weeks of chilling before flowering. Once they’re ready, they’ll bloom indoors within two to three weeks, bringing that fresh spring look to your home long before the season arrives.
Daffodils (Narcissus)- Small daffodil varieties like ‘Tête-à-Tête’ or ‘Jetfire’ force beautifully indoors. They need about 12 to 15 weeks of cold treatment, and their cheerful yellow blooms are a bright reminder that spring is on the way.
Crocus-These petite flowers are quick to force and add a delicate pop of color. Chill them for about 8 to 10 weeks, then bring them into a warm, sunny spot to bloom within two weeks.
Grape Hyacinths (Muscari)- These tiny, bell-shaped blooms are charming when forced in small pots or glass containers. They need a chilling period of 10 to 12 weeks before they’re ready to flower.
Quick Tip
When forcing bulbs that need a cold period, store them in a paper bag or container in the fridge (away from fruit) or an unheated but frost-free space. Once roots and shoots appear, move them indoors to finish growing and blooming.
Looking for more info about bulbs?
Read my Complete Bulb Planting Guide!
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