Quick Answer

To force amaryllis and paperwhites for the holidays, plant amaryllis 6 to 10 weeks and paperwhites 4 to 6 weeks before your target bloom date, then give them bright light and steady temperatures above 50°F (10°C). Pot amaryllis snugly with the top third of the bulb above the soil, and grow paperwhites in gravel and water or well-draining potting mix. A greenhouse from BC Greenhouse Builders makes forcing easier, with more natural light for sturdier stems, cooler nights that help blooms last longer, and bench space to stagger plantings for color from December into February.

Forcing Bulbs

For the friends with the winter blues, or being impressive on Valentine's Day, consider forcing bulbs. "Forcing" sounds ruthless, but it's the process of condensing the bulb's winter and spring, so the flowers bloom in early winter instead of mid-Spring. A greenhouse makes this easy, and foolproof.