—Wake up your winter bulbs, bring the feeling of spring into your home.

1. Begin in September by selecting the largest, best-quality bulbs available.
2. Store in a cool room, basement, or garage, or pot them, using a clay container that’s twice the height of the bulb.
3. Fill the container half full with a well-aerated potting mixture; then place bulbs flat side down. The neck or tip of the bulb should rest just below the pot rim. Fill the pot, leaving .5 to 1 inch (1 to 2.5 cm) between the bulbs. You may be able to plant a dozen crocuses in a small pot. It all depends on the bulb size. Cover the bulbs so that just their necks are sticking out, and slowly water until the water runs out the drainage hole. Insert a label to identify what you have potted.
4. Move the potted bulbs to a cold area where temperatures are about 40° to 45°F (4° to 7°C), and see that they are protected from light. The ideal spot is an extra refrigerator set at 40°F (4°0. (For freesias, set temperature at 50°F, or 10°C.) Avoid temperatures below freezing, as bulb growth will stop.
5. Leave the potted bulbs in their cool dark home for at least ten to twelve weeks, but remember to keep the potting mixture moist.
6. Before removing the bulbs from cold storage, check the roots (look through the drainage hole or gently knock the soil ball out of the pot). A mass of white roots should cover the bottom, and 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of shoot growth should be visible. If the roots are well established, bring the bulbs into a bright room (no direct sun yet).
7. When the bleached shoots turn green, transfer the bulbs to a sunny area. Once the flower buds begin to show color, move them out of the direct sun. At night, return them to an area where it’s 60° to 65°F (15° to 18°C).

                                                                                        From designingonline.com

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