Spring Bulb Centerpieces in the Wintertime

If you are having a winter wedding, consider planting bulbs now for centerpieces. Attractive terra cotta pots filled with sunny blooms make great centerpieces that double as favors at the end of the night. And, while it's more work, you'll get more flower bang for your bucks. First, choose flowers in keeping with your color scheme -- Easy bulbs to grow and force include narcissus, amaryllis, crocus, hyacinth, and some irises. Then check with your local garden center to make sure bulbs are available and how long their rooting periods are (typically 12 to 15 weeks). You should begin the process about three to five months before the wedding, depending on the rooting period. Store your potted bulbs in a cool spot (35 to 55 degrees) -- most people find a cool basement or crawl space works well. After the rooting period, move your pots into indirect sunlight with a temperature around 60 degrees for a week or two. You should shortly have small green shoots and can move the pots into direct sunlight for the blossoms to begin forming. Once you have blossoms, take them back into indirect sunlight and cooler temperatures so as to preserve the blooms.