How to force tulips for a show in spring

The most suitable bulbs for forcing are single and double earlies and Darwin hybrids (eg ‘Apricot Beauty', ‘Prinses Irene', ‘Van der Neer' and ‘Apeldoorn'). Choose firm, healthy-looking bulbs and plant them up in the autumn in pots with drainage holes. Fill with fresh multi-purpose compost mixed with loam-based compost and add plenty of horticultural grit, plus a layer of crocks at the bottom for drainage. Plant bulbs close but not touching. Water as needed to keep them moist but not too wet.

Now for the vital part: tulips need a period of chilling in order to flower, so tuck your pots or boxes away for 12-16 weeks in a cold place at about 9°C, eg in a cellar, garage or unheated greenhouse. Keep them in the dark, using bin bags or boxes to cover them, if necessary, and water lightly, regularly.

Once you can see shoots 5-8cm high and roots emerging from the drainage holes, feed them with tomato fertiliser and move them to a cool back bedroom or a porch (14-18°C) in indirect light and keep turning the pots to keep the stems straight. Once the leaves and buds have developed, move them to a sunny windowsill to bring them on (20°C) and they should flower within a fortnight or so.

Where to buy tulip bulbs
You can order a good range of varieties from these specialist suppliers in the autumn
● De Jager (01622 840229; www.dejager.co.uk)
● Avon (01460 242177; www.avonbulbs.co.uk)
● J Parker 0161 848 1100; www.jparkers.co.uk)
● Bloms Bulbs (01234 709099; www.blomsbulbs.com)

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