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Say Hello To Easy Winter Bulbs!

© Barbara M. Martin

Saying that seasonal "Bye-Bye!" to the garden is wrenching for some, a bit of a relief to others -- but it feels pretty good to know all the bulbs are finally planted, the beds are mulched and the tools are put away. It's time to move on to other things now -- things requiring no green thumb.

That means it's high time to start your "winter bulbs"! Yes, winter bulbs: that other bulb season in between the spring-planted summer bulbs and the fall-planted spring bulbs. Winter bulbs are much simpler than all those other bulbs. Trust me!

There are really only two kinds to worry about: paperwhites and amaryllis. They both grow fine in pots indoors. They are both pretty and very satisfying to grow. They make nice gifts. Even kids can do this without much adult interference. You don't even need dirt.

Paperwhites (a special kind of narcissus meant for forcing) are usually grown several to a pot. After they bloom and start looking ratty, just pitch them. No muss no fuss.

Amaryllis are gigantic bulbs usually grown just one to a pot. These can easily be kept to bloom year after year with some minimal care or else thrown out when they're done. It's that simple.

Paperwhites and amaryllis are inexpensive, easy to find and easy to grow. You can order them by mail or find them at the local garden shop or perhaps even in the grocery store. Larger bulbs will bloom best, but it's most important that the bulbs be firm and free of mold or wilted sprouts. (A little peeling of the papery outer layer is okay, though.)

Both types are available as bare bulbs or as kits or even preplanted and both are very popular as gifts. (Add a pretty cachepot and you're all set!) Best of all, this is pure plant and grow -- neither bulb needs that dreaded and fearful pre-chilling treatment.

Despite the title, The Chilling Facts from the U.S. Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center (NFBIC) gives a detailed overview about what to do with these easy bulbs.

As the NFBIC mentions, the paperwhites are grown most often and most easily in gravel BUT as we discover in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's November Task List (way at the end -- read or scroll to the last task!) not only is mid-November the time to start paperwhites, but they actually do better planted in soil. Don't worry: either way, in soil or gravel or marbles or whatever, they'll do fine. I have yet to see them grown in soil, by the way!