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Bulbs for many spring-flowering plants must be planted in the fall to be enjoyed in the spring. According to horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, October is the best time to plant tulips, daffodils, hyacinth and other spring-flowering bulbs in Iowa. By planting the bulbs in the fall, they have enough time to develop strong root systems before the ground freezes. Spring-flowering bulbs can be forced indoors in winter if the plants are taken inside in early fall.

How to force bulbs indoors:
– Gardeners need good quality bulbs, well-drained potting mix and containers with drainage holes in the bottom.
– Containers should be partially filled with soil and the bulbs should then be placd on the surface, so the tops of the bulbs are even with the rim of the container. (ISU horticulturists advise: generally, three hyacinths, three to five daffodils, five to seven tulips or 10 to 12 crocuses can be planted in a 6-inch-diameter pot.)
– Once bulbs are arranged in the pot, place more soil around the bulbs without covering them completely.
– After potting, water each container thoroughly.
– The bulbs must be exposed to temperatures of 40 to 45 degrees for 12 to 16 weeks in order to bloom.
– Recommended storage locations include outdoor trenches, refrigerators or root cellars.
– During cold storage, water bulbs regularly and keep them in complete darkness.
– The potted bulbs can be removed from cold storage once the cold requirement has been met.
– Bulbs should then be placed in a location of 50 to 60 degrees in low to medium light.
– After four to five days, move the plants to 60 to 70 degrees in bright light.
– Keep the soil evenly moist and flowering should occur in three to four weeks.