Most bulbs need to be chilled for 12 to 14 weeks. The end of the chilling period can be identified by the emergence of roots from the drainage holes or fresh stems sprouting about two inches out of the top of the bulb. It is very important to leave them in cold storage for the proper amount of time. If the bulbs are not kept in long enough, the flowers may not form completely. If they are left too long, the stems may become too long. As a normative guide, if you want your bulbs to bloom in January, generally you’ll need to plant them in September; if you want them to bloom in February, begin in October, and so on.
CFD Tip! Label each pot with the type of plant, date planted, and the estimated date to be brought out of cold storage.

Once the bulbs have chilled for the required time period, remove the pots from cold storage and place them in indirect sunlight until the shoots turn green. Water the pots as needed to prevent the soil from drying out completely. When green, place the bulbs in a sunny window until flower buds emerge, rotating often to keep the stems growing straight. Then move the pot into its display area.
CFD Tip! Blossoms last longer if they are kept in a cool area with indirect light.

When forcing a bulb, you interrupt its natural growth cycle. Therefore you cannot force the same bulbs year after year (with the exception of amaryllis), but you may have some success replanting the bulbs in your yard. After flowering, remove the flower stems and place the pots in direct sunlight. This photosynthesis period is needed to nourish the bulbs. Then, when weather permits and all signs of frost have passed, the bulbs can be transplanted into the garden and should return to their normal cycle within a year or two.