 | In this part of the world (southern Ontario) it isn't uncommon for people to begin craving springtime as early as February. People reach out to brighter days and warmer weather anyway they can. One of the easiest ways to satisfy this need is to purchase forced bulb plants such as crocuses, tulips, narcissus and hyacinths. Unfortunately since these plants don't flower long enough to make it through until spring, many of us are left with several pots of dead plants by the time the first crocuses appear.
These plants may be withered but they aren't dead yet. With a
little extra work you can save them and give them a second life in your
garden, resulting in more value for your buck. However, they will not grow
indoors again so do not attempt to force them a second time. Forcing
bulbs drains their energy resources and throws them out of whack. The only
bulb that can withstand a repeat performance of this process is the
amaryllis (Hippeastrum).
When the flowers are dead, cut them off with a sharp pair of pruners and
leave the foliage intact. Continue watering the plant as usual and be sure
to keep it in a sunny area near a light source. The leaves must be able to
continue producing energy through the process of photosynthesis.
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