Plant your bulbs close together, but not touching one another, in equal parts compost, sand and peat, a compost rich potting soil or Cottage Farms Grower’s Formula. There should only be about 2” of potting medium below the bulbs, and the top of the bulb (the pointed end) should be even with the surface of the soil. If the bulb has a flat side, like tulips do, plant with the flat side facing the edge of the pot. This allows the first, and largest, leaves to form an attractive border around the edge of the pot. It is very important to use a pot that has good drainage holes, as bulbs will rot if left in standing water. Also, select clean pots; you don’t want to transfer disease from other plants. If using a terracotta or clay pot, soak the container in water for a few hours to fully saturate the pores and ensure optimal moisture retention. After planting, water the pot thoroughly and allow to it drain for a day before beginning the chilling process.
CFD Tip! Don’t mix varieties in the same container since dates of flowering will likely vary.

It is now time to chill the bulbs. The easiest method for chilling is to keep the pots in a refrigerator where the temperature can be easily maintained at 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no need to water the bulbs during the chilling period, but in order for the plant to produce healthy foliage and blooms, it is important that they are kept in the dark as consistently as possible.
CFD Tip! Cover them with a box or a bag to ensure complete darkness, even when the refrigerator door is open.

Sometimes it is necessary to store bulbs before planting. If you must do so, keep them in the refrigerator in breathable mesh or plastic bags (like the ones they are sold in), paper bags with holes, or an open tray. This storage period counts towards the time required for chilling.
CFD Tip! Do not store bulbs in the same bin as ripening fruit. Ripening fruit gives off ethylene gas that can cause flowers to form only partially or not at all.