How to force daffodil bulbs

How to force daffodil bulbs

Find out how to force daffodils for pretty, scented winter flowers, using this simple step-by-step guide.

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
To do
To do

Do not To do in January

Do not To do in February

Do not To do in March

Do not To do in April

Do not To do in May

Do not To do in June

Do not To do in July

Do not To do in August

Do To do in September

Do To do in October

Do not To do in November

Do not To do in December

Spend an hour or two planting prepared narcissi in early autumn, and you’ll be able to enjoy their fragrant flowers during the dark days of winter.

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It’s important to buy bulbs that are labelled as suitable for forcing – popular varieties include ‘Paperwhite Ziva’ and ‘Soleil D’Or’.

For an interesting indoor display, choose a glass bowl and fill it with gravel, glass beads or pebbles.

Forum discussion: Am I too late to plant tulip or daffodil bulbs?

Here’s how to force narcissi.

Spend an hour or two planting prepared narcissi in early autumn, and
you'll be able to enjoy their fragrant flowers during the dark days of
winter.

You Will Need

  • ‘Paperwhite’, ‘Soleil D’Or’ or any prepared narcissus bulbs
  • Decorative crushed stone or pebbles
  • Glass jar
  • Watering can

Total time: 15 minutes


Step 1

Adding pebbles to the glass jar
Adding pebbles to the glass jar

Place a layer of pebbles, gravel or glass beads in the base of your chosen container.


Step 2

Planting the narcissus bulbs in the glass jar
Planting the narcissus bulbs in the glass jar

Push the narcissus bulbs to about half their depth into the pebbles to hold them firm.


Step 3

Watering the container
Watering the container
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Add water to just below the bulb and no higher, topping up to this level as needed.

Buy enough narcissus bulbs to plant several vases every seven to 10 days throughout September and early October to provide a succession of flowers through December and January.

Watering can