Something You Can Count on this Winter

Winter Bulbs that Bloom Indoors

I’ve had lots of changes happening on my end this fall. After almost five years of saving and two full years of searching, I finally closed on my very own first home in the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport, Connecticut. I’m exhausted and thrilled with all the possibilities of making this new space my own and renting the second floor of this two family house. I still don’t have a couch or a coffee table, but there’s one thing I’ll definitely find a spot for this holiday season, even if it’s just on the floor: an indoor blooming bulb.

I hope this post will give you an appreciation for blooming bulbs, too, and that they’ll make the long, dark months ahead more bearable.

The easiest way to make a quick impact to a space is to add plants and flowers, even if you have to set the vases on the floor.

What Is a Blooming Bulb?

A blooming bulb is a floral bulb, like the ones we plant outside, but it can sprout and fully blossom indoors throughout the winter months. These blooming bulbs are especially popular for the life and color they provide during the holiday season, so now is the perfect time to learn more. We call the process of making the bulb bloom indoors “forcing,” and there are particular bulb varieties that are good for this method.

I first learned about blooming bulbs many years ago while working for Orly Kohn at her floral boutique inside the Restoration Hardware flagship store in Boston, and I have loved the tradition of these winter bulbs ever since.

Left, amaryllis bulbs. Right, paperwhite bulbs. These are close to blooming and images of their flowers are shown below.

You can buy the bulbs before they’re sprouted, or you can find them already sprouted. They’re usually available at grocery stores, hardware stores, and online sellers, but you should of course try to find them from small, local business during this critical season. (And if you’re in the NYC or Connecticut areas, come and get your bulbs at one of Made Floral’s holiday pop-ups listed below!). At first look, they just look like a plain old bulb. Maybe it will have a sprout, and sometimes you’ll find the bulb covered in wax. Usually a bulb with a sprout will be planted in a wooden box or footed container. I love to see the bulb in a glass cloche, taking on the look of a rare and exotic specimen.