From our perspective, we are not truly dormant, but in a state of strategic waiting. After our summer rest, we bulbs contain a complete, pre-formed flower and leaf structures within our protective brown tunics. Our biological clock is set to bloom after a period of cold, which mimics the winter we would experience in the ground. This chilling period is non-negotiable; it is the key signal that tells us it is safe to break dormancy and begin root growth. Without this simulated winter, we will not understand that it is time to wake up and will refuse to grow properly.
To coax us into bloom, you must first provide this essential cold period. Please place us in a breathable paper bag or a mesh bag and put us in your refrigerator's crisper drawer for a minimum of 12 to 16 weeks. The ideal temperature for this is between 35°F and 48°F (2°C - 9°C). It is vital that we are kept away from ripening fruit, such as apples or bananas. These fruits emit ethylene gas, which is toxic to our developing flower inside and will cause us to abort our bloom or fail entirely. This chilling time is our winter, and we use it to develop a strong root system in our minds.
After our chilling requirement is met, we are ready for planting. Choose a shallow pot with adequate drainage holes. Plant us closely together, but not touching, in a well-draining potting mix. Our noses (the pointed tips) should be exposed, with only our bases and roots buried. Water us thoroughly after planting, and then place the pot in a cool, dark location again—this time, to encourage root development. A basement or a garage, around 50°F to 60°F (10°C - 15°C), is perfect. This period of darkness and coolness for 2-3 weeks allows us to establish a robust root foundation to support our upcoming growth. Keep the soil slightly moist, but never soggy, to prevent rot.
Once you see our green shoots emerging and they are about 2-3 inches tall, we are ready for the light. Move our pot to a cool, bright location with indirect sunlight. A north-facing window or a spot away from direct heat sources is ideal. Temperatures around 60°F to 65°F (15°C - 18°C) will encourage strong, sturdy growth and prolong our flowering period. If we are placed in a room that is too warm and with too little light, we will grow weak, floppy leaves and our blooms will fade quickly. Rotate the pot regularly so we grow straight, leaning toward the light source.
After we have finished blooming, the work is not over if you wish for us to live on. Do not cut off our foliage. Our leaves are our solar panels, and we need them to absorb energy and store it back in our bulb for future growth. Continue to water us and provide bright light until the leaves yellow and wither naturally. At this point, you can stop watering, remove the dead foliage, and store us in a cool, dry place. However, please understand that the process of forcing depletes our energy reserves immensely. We are unlikely to flower again for several seasons, if at all, and are best composted or planted in the garden to recover naturally over a few years.
