"Shocking" a flower bulb - help!
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I have some flower bulbs that say they have to be shocked. I thought all you do is plant bulbs and keep watered. (Shows I havent done much planting.) How does one go about doing this at time of year in order to get the best results?
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why shock the bulbs
What bulb is it? Some bulbs need a cold period before they will bloom, I.e. daffs.
Shocking usually refers to a cold spell. Flower bulbs such as iris, daffodils, crocus and tulips need that cold period in order to rebloom.
The instructions that call for shocking the bulbs surely tell you what they have in mind. If not, it is best to look up the supplier's web site to find instructions or ask at your local garden center.
Shocking bulbs is another term for forcing bulbs (to bloom). The tulips, etc. you see now in the stores now have been shocked or forced into bloom. Once a bulb has been forced to bloom, it needs thrown away, as it will never bloom again.
Cover your planted and watered pots with saran wrap. Put in the fridge for a week or two. Then take them out and put in a sunny, warm spot to grow. This has always worked for me.