Holiday Gift idea to start now by Vicky Spelman

University of Minnesota Extension

While bulbs are available at the nurseries, here is a fun and easy Holiday Gift idea.  You can pot up some favorite spring bulbs and create an indoor garden for winter flowering.  

When Choosing the Bulbs:
1. consider that different bulbs bloom at different times
2. bigger is better, so choose good quality, bigger bulbs
3. make sure they are firm and clear of a mold/mildew
4. leave the paper-like covering on the bulbs when planting. 

Planting your Bulbs:
1. your pot should be at least 6 inches (or deeper) with drainage holes
2. fill the clean pot with 1/3 new potting soil
3. the hairy root end of the bulb goes in the soil with the tip or nose of the bulb pointing upward
4. gradually add more potting soil around the bulbs – make sure bulbs continue to stand upright – stopping about ¼ to ½ inch from top to leave room for watering

University of Minnesota Extension

Give them the cold treatment:
1. bulbs need 12-13 weeks of cold treatment at 35º to 48ºF
2. if you place in refrigerator, cover with plastic bags that have some breathing holes
3. if using cold frames, cover pots with 8-10 inches of soil and then with 8-10 inches of mulch
4. don’t allow bulbs to freeze

University of Minnesota Extension

How many bulbs:
1. generally, about 6 tulips bulbs, 3 hyacinths, 6 daffodils or 15 crocuses will fit into a 6-inch pot  

So, if you planted your pot of bulbs October 1st, bring the pots inside right after the Christmas Holiday.
1. place in sunny window and bulbs should flower in around 3-4 weeks
2. after the leaves and shoots emerge, move out of direct sunlight and once they start flowering move to a cool location at night to prolong the bloom

For more tips:  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/growing-bulbs-indoors