Coaxing Works Better than Forcing

 Image from hyacinthvases.org.uk

In October I put some crocus bulbs in the fridge to chill for the requisite number of weeks. Just after Christmas, I arranged them in tall glass vases, with only water and stones. I had done something similar with white narcissus and hyacinths, and expected similarly good results: early crocuses in the house by February.

It didn't work that way. They sprouted and bloomed, but they were weak and droopy. When the flowers started to show, they had no oomph. I waited a few days, but the situation didn't improve.

Today, I couldn't stand it any more. I took them outside and tenderly potted them out in my best potting soil, with bulb food mixed in.

To thrive, I realized, they needed to grow in their own element as nature intended, and now I've given it to them. I hope they'll still bloom this year, but I will understand if they don't.

By trying to force them forward, I actually held them back. They have their own timetable, and will bloom when they bloom. Maybe this year, maybe next.

People are much the same, I think.