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Winter and Spring flowering indoor bulbs need special treatment.Two distinct kinds of bulbs are used for growing indoors: those that are bought fresh each year and either thrown away or planted in the garden, or the type that can be kept from year to year and will survive indoors for a long time. On this page we will talk of the former. 
Forcing
Hyacinths, single early and double tulips, narcissi or daffodils, large-flowered crocus, scillas, dwarf irises, and chinodoxas are the most popular for planting in bowls from late August to October to flower from mid-December onwards. Specially prepared bulbs are best for winter forcing. These have been well grown, lifted at the right time, and thoroughly dried to prevent disease or premature rooting. They will also have been stored at the correct temperature to initiate the forming of flower buds for flowering at the desired time. Correctly balanced compost, such as John Innes No 2, or a proprietary fibre is ideal. Bulbs should be placed as close as possible in a bowl, filling in the spaces with compost. Put the bowls in a cool, dark place, even outside, cover with black polythene or anything to keep the bowls out of the light. The object initially is to develop the root system, forcing too early will result in under developed flower spikes and poor growth. Check regularly to see that the bowls do not dry out, then when leaf tips are approx 2-5cm (1"-2") long, move into a greenhouse or windowsill of a cool room. When leaves are 10cm (4") high, move into a temperature of 18c (64f). Taller flowering types will need supporting with canes. Several bowls can be planted with the same type of bulb bringing in the bowls from the cold at different stages, therefore extending the season. When they have finished flowering the dead flowers should be removed and the plants moved back to a cool position and kept watered until safe enough to be planted into the garden. Forced bulbs can rarely be brought to flower inside again. 
Hyacinths can also be grown just in water. Special vases can be bought or use of an appropriate Jam jar can be used. Start the bulbs into growth from August to November.
Place the hyacinth on top of the vase so that only the base is in the water. Place bulbs in a cool dark place until the roots are 10cm (4") long and showing at least 2cm, (1") of growth. keep the roots covered with water. At the end of the flowering period, hyacinths grown this way will be shrivelled and of little use. Go back from Bulbs to House Plants
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