How to Grow Indoor Blooms and Bulbs

Forcing means making a bulb bloom inside at a time of year it doesn't naturally bloom outside. Most people force bulbs for winter cheer.

Bulbs grown in cool Zones need chill time to make them think winter has passed. Place potted bulbs in a cold place, such as an unused refrigerator, unheated basement or porch, for about three months. Keep soil moist. About three weeks before you want flowers, position pots in a cool room with indirect light. Once growth forms, it's OK to move the pot to a warm, sunny spot. When flowers fade, toss the plant--forcing is hard on bulbs, so they probably won't rebloom.

This blue pot overflows with English ivy accented by pink hyacinth and primrose.