In the midst of chilly winters in New York, Martha employs a special gardening method known as forcing to coax the arrival of spring blooms within the confines of her greenhouse. While she has been utilizing this technique annually for her amaryllis bulbs, this year she has extended its application to her checkered Fritillaria meleagris and blue star-shaped Camassia, both of which thrive outdoors during the warmer months.
Martha’s approach to forcing bulbs commences with acquiring three containers’ worth of bulbs from a nearby wholesale flower vendor. To cater to these bulbs, Martha and her chief gardener, Ryan McCallister, opt for wide-mouthed planters filled with Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix, as detailed in Martha’s most recent blog post. She also recommends incorporating a blend of Osmocote fertilizer for a gradual release of nutrients in the subsequent months post-planting.
The forcing technique employed for both bulb varieties follows a similar course of action. Initially, the bulbs are planted and gently pressed into the soil, ensuring that the roots face downward. Martha notes, “The bulbs can be situated closely together. They will support each other upright and present a stunning display in full bloom.” She further advises, “Any bulbs intended for forcing should be compact, weighty, and devoid of any signs of mold, mildew, discoloration, or flaking outer layers.”
After securely planting the bulbs in the soil, an additional layer of potting mix is added until it reaches just below the planter’s rim. Subsequently, a layer of pea stone is placed atop the soil to provide support for the stems as they grow.
The forcing procedure for the Frillaria bulbs diverges slightly from that of the Camassia, as the former necessitates watering once the final layer of soil is added over the bulbs. Following the watering, Martha advises finding an indoor windowsill where the planter can bask in sunlight and dry out before applying the pea stone atop the soil.
Martha suggests that the forcing process typically spans six to eight weeks, and at times even up to 13 weeks, before the bulbs burst into colorful blooms. The vivid and vibrant flowers will undoubtedly prove to be a delightful and enchanting addition to your abode during the bleak and wintry months.
If you wish to read the original article, head over to Martha Stewart’s blog.
