Buy bulbs to force a festive display

Hyacinth, daffodils, muscari and amaryllis are perfect bulbs to force for a Christmas display. Most bulbs need a period of cold stratification – anywhere from six to 18 weeks to force them to bloom early. But if you buy prepared bulbs the chilling has been done for you. Paperwhite narcissus and amaryllis don’t need chilling. Pot up bulbs, keep them watered and place in the dark for three to four weeks. Once shoots pop up, place them on a warm windowsill to flower. Alternatively, grow hyacinth bulbs in water in a bulbforcing jar and you’ll see roots develop over the coming weeks.