One of my favourite garden centres had a beautiful display of crocus and muscari (grape hyacinths). They did not stratify (chill) at all. Just planted them and put them under lights for 16 hours per day. The muscari bloomed within 3 weeks and the crocus was about 5 weeks from planting. The crocus has new blooms opening daily. I was a bit surprised that they bloomed without chilling for 12 to 14 weeks. I guess if you want the same bulbs to bloom for future years, you would want to stratify them, but if it is a one time thing, why bother.
Since I want forced bulbs to be in full bloom April 12 weekend, I plan to move them from the garage to under lights in early March. I think I will move the dwarf tulips under light in February. I think I planted them too deep, so I may remove some of the soil
Bulbs in the garage: ambient temp about 4C (39F) on the floor. Planted Dec 21
Jumbo Mixed Crocus
Chionodoxa Luciliae
English Bluebells
Pulchella Chinese Coral Tulip (6"H Pink petals w/white underside) tagged mid spring
Dasystemon Tarda Tulip (4"H Yellow Petals w/ White Tips) tagged mid spring
This year, I hope to keep better track of my seeding and gardening adventures. I moved my home office to the main level and created a "Indoor Seed-Starting" room. A friend gave me a used 2 level seed starting unit that matches my 3 tier one. More space under lights.
I have lots of left over seed from the last few years. My daughter & I will be doing a special project for April 12 and we are trying to force some blooms for that weekend.
