Bulbs: Pre-chilled forced winter bloomers for 2010 - Anyone!, 1 by jmorth

jmorth wrote:
tabasco - I believe the usual process of potting them up and then refrigerating them is to promote a healthy root system. That said, I've had excellent results with hyacinths by putting the bag bought in in the refrigerator during late fall and letting them stay cold till January or even Feb. then placing them in a hyacinth jar to force them in water. The ones illustrated in pic were put into their water jar earlier this month and are doing well. After allowing the roots to develop I'll move them into warmth and before long be blessed by their aromatic bloom.
I've never tried using the pre-chilled bulbs.
My favorite tulip to force is Gen.deWet, an early single with a supreme aromatic side to it. I also force a lot of Flair and Princess Irene. My favorite early double is Monsella. Nearly all the early singles and doubles are excellent choices to force due to their shorter stature. Most of the Triumph division and many Darwins are good for forcing as well. However, many Darwins are so robust and big they're best forced in a pot with an attachment to support their height. Last year I had success with Red Hunter, one of the shorties in the species and misc. category; this year I'm trying Little Beauty from the same category.
J