Hyacinths:
If you don't have room in the refrigerator for a bunch of pots of soil, try forcing hyacinth bulbs. Simply put them in a paper bag in the refrigerator, for 4-6 weeks. Bring them out and put them in specially designed forcing vases filled with water just up to the base of the bulb. Place them in a bright window and in about 4 weeks you should have beautiful, scented hyacinth flowers!
Suggested varieties of hyacinth/muscari for forcing: Blue Spike, Early Giant
Paperwhites
Paperwhites are often forced in a shallow pot or bowl (without drainage holes). A clear container lets you see the roots developing and makes it easier to gauge the water level. After filling the pot about two-thirds with pebbles, gravel or soil, place as many bulbs (flat end down) in the container as will fit without touching each other. Then fill in around the bulbs. Add water to the pot until it just reaches the bottoms of the bulbs. Place the container in a cool, dark spot (45-50 degrees F) to encourage root growth. In about three weeks, after roots have developed, move the pot to a cool, sunny spot. Sprouts will quickly develop and soon thereafter blooms. Keep the water level just at the base of the bulbs. The fragrant flowers will last 10 days to several weeks in cool conditions (less if it's warm). You can adjust the bloom time a little, by adjusting temperature and watering. If the plants are developing too quickly, move them to a cooler spot and reduce watering, but if you need to speed them up, put them in a warmer place. You can stake the stems if they start to flop over.
Here's some varieties of paperwhites good for forcing: Bridal Crown, Spell Binder, Jenny, Cheerfulness
Amaryllis
Plant amaryllis bulbs in containers with a drainage hole (and saucer to catch water run-off). These large bulbs are often potted individually, in a pot an inch or two larger in diameter than the bulb, but several can be combined if you have a large enough container. Soak the bulbs and roots overnight in lukewarm water before potting. Place a layer of gravel in the pot and add a few inches of soilless potting mix. Place the bulb on top of the potting mix so that the top of the bulb is barely above the rim of the pot, and fill with more potting mix around the bulb, leaving the neck exposed. Water well, and place in a cool, sunny spot. Water sparingly until a sprout forms, then water more frequently to keep the soil moist. It will take six to eight weeks for the plant to bloom.
Other Good Bulbs for Forcing
Snowdrops, Dutch Irises, Blue Squill, and Glory-of-the-snow
