Hi, I am a novice gardener, and I have a question? I have some tulip bulbs that I was given last fall, that did not get planted. I decided to plant them in pots and try to force them now. What I read about this was...chill for 3 months, plant in moist soil, place in cool dark place for a week? This is my problem, I can't find the threads again, and I can't remember how long with the cool dark place. Also why the cool dark place? I don't doubt the info, but I am curious as to why. Carol

Hi Carol,

I've never heard of doing it that way around.

My understanding of how this works, and how I've been doing it for the last few years, is first to plant in moist soil, then store the planted pot for 3 months in a cool, dark place.

I think the point is to allow the bulbs to establish roots over the cool period, so that when you bring it into the warmth and light it's all ready to go.

Definitely get them into pots and into cool storage now (fridge or cold room). Hopefully someone else out there has tried chilling the bulbs before planting and can comment on what to expect.