Gardening with Allen: Start bulbs for winter blooms

Fill pots loosely with potting soil about two-thirds full. Place bulbs closely together so they are almost touching. Push bulbs into the loose soil. Add enough soil and adjust the bulbs so the tips are just barely covered. The soil will settle some after watering so pots can be filled almost to the rim. Final soil level should be less than a half-inch below the rim.

After watering thoroughly so some water drains from the bottom, place pots where they can get 12 weeks of dark, cool conditions; 40 to 50 degrees is the required temperature. Refrigerator temperature is ideal. I use an extra garage refrigerator that is full of extra food and drinks during the summer, but is mostly empty now.

After 12 weeks, white roots will start to show at the bottom drain holes. The tips of the leaves will start to show above the soil surface. Bring containers inside into full light. They will bloom within two weeks.

Pre-treated paper white narcissus and amaryllis can be forced into bloom without a cold treatment.

I also plant bulbs in tubs and larger containers that are used for summer annuals. Use a garden trowel to make holes for bulbs. They can be planted a little deeper than in smaller pots, since there is more room for root growth. Bulbs can be spaced 2 inches apart or closer. Combinations of three varieties can be placed in larger tubs. Containers can be placed outside on a deck or patio. They will bloom at their normal time unless you bring them inside to warmer conditions.

Leaves will still be present when it is time to plant new annuals. Simply insert annual flower plants between bulbs and let them grow while bulb leaves are maturing. Bulbs can remain in the pots during the summer and will be ready for bloom the next season.