You've got to trick bulbs into flowering indoors

Word of the day from Amy Ivy: ver-nal-i-za-tion. noun. the cooling of seed during germination in order to accelerate flowering when it is planted.It's the whole thing in forcing spring bulbs to flower indoors. You've got to simulate winter's work by potting, watering and then keeping bulbs just above freezing for weeks before bringing them in to flower.Narcissus, paper whites, are the exception, not the rule, according to Amy. Bigger bulbs like daffodils require eight to 10 weeks of cold, smaller bulbs six to eight.Amy Ivy is a horticulturist for Cooperative Extension of Clinton and Essex Counties and joins Martha Foley for a gardening conversation each Monday on The Eight O'Clock Hour. [full story]