Botanical Nerd Word: Force

Force: To cause a plant to bloom out of its normal season or sequence by using horticultural techniques.*

Forcing bulbs is easier than most people think. Last November, these Muscari (grape hyacinth) bulbs were potted in moist potting mix and the pots were kept in the fridge. After about 10 weeks, move the pots to a sunny windowsill for early spring flowers. It’s an easy way to Get the Jump on Spring!

*Pell, S.K., Angell, B. (2016). A botanist’s vocabulary: 1300 terms explained and illustrated. Portland: Timber Press.