FORCING BULBS INTO BLOOM
Like seeds, bulbs are alive but extremely perishable. BloemBox Bulb Kits are available on a seasonal basis. Bulbs are packed fresh each day in our temperature-controlled bulbhouse and carefully placed into custom bulb shippers. Immediately unpack shippers and place bulb kits in a cool, dry place away from heat and frost. Sometimes with extra humidity, the bulbs and roots develop penicillin mold. This mold is harmless to the bulb. Provide good air circulation around the bulb and carefully brush the mold away and plant as usual.

Each kit is labeled with a removable sticker that says, “plant me!” It is a reminder that inside each BloemBox is a complete kit ready to grow and force into bloom. Each kit contains water-absorbing, nutrient-rich wafers that provide a lightweight, soil-less medium to support and anchor each bulb. A warm room and sufficient root moisture initiates stem growth. 

Do not overwater or allow the drainage saucer to fill with excess standing water. Sometimes pesty gnats attracted to the damp organic matter will swarm indoor plants. They are more of an irritant than a danger to plants. Allow the soil to dry out a little to discourage these pests. Also set a trap by pouring vinegar into a jar and placing it near the grow-pot. Empty and refill the jar as you capture the gnats until they disappear.    

Our amaryllis bulbs are grown in the Netherlands and are high quality, top-sized bulbs. These bulbs have a longer shelf-life compared to other amaryllis stock, but sometimes they are slow to initiate growth. Be patient and it will be well-worth the wait! The large-size bulbs usually produce two flowering stems during the bloom season. With proper care, they will bloom every year for many years to come. Paperwhite bulbs will quickly sprout and reveal a green tip. For many weeks, the bulbs hold back further growth and remain healthy until planted. Forced paperwhite bulbs bloom best for only one season.