While different types of bulbs call for different methods of forcing, one step remains constant. When first planted, most bulbs should be placed in a cool (35-45 degrees F), dark spot to prepare the bulbs to bloom. Some varieties, such as narcissus, benefit from a chilly initial period only to encourage sturdy stalks. Alternative methods of protecting your newly planted bulbs include covering the soil with straw or leaves, or, if you don't have a basement, placing the pot in a Styrofoam cooler in an unheated garage. After the first couple of weeks, most blooms can (and should) be moved into a warmer, sunnier area. Specifics vary to individual species, and we've chosen two popular types of forcing bulbs, as well as one not-so-popular bulb that you might just grow to love.

BEST BULB FOR FIRST-TIME GROWERS

Narcissus, or paperwhites, are perfect choices for those of you trying your hand at forcing bulbs for the first time. The species is bred exclusively for indoor forcing, is hardy, requires few materials, and is almost 100 percent successful. In return, paperwhites grow long, graceful stems that sprout lovely, fragrant white blooms within 2 to 6 weeks of planting.

A characteristic that may be unique to the narcissus is the fact that the bulbs don't have to be planted in soil to bloom. They grow equally well in a low dish filled with gravel (or rocks) and water, or even a plain glass of water. If you do choose to plant your bulbs in soil, follow these easy steps:

• Fill your pot halfway with a potting soil mix that both retains moisture and allows good drainage.
  
  
• Place as many bulbs as you can fit in the pot without allowing the bulbs to touch; the tips should be even with the top of th pot.
  
  
• Water them well and label the pot with the planting date before moving them to a dark, cold spot.

While narcissus do not require a cold spot to bloom, a cool starting area encourages stalks to grow hardier (as mentioned above), diminishing the chances of stem flop-over (the scientific term…that we invented). When your stalks do grow nice and tall, you may choose to stake them with lightweight plant stakes for extra insurance. Roots sprouting through the bottom of the pot tell you it's time to move the pot to a sunny spot - but not before, for the aforementioned reasons.

Enjoy your blooms when they arrive; paperwhites only flower once. At this point, discard the bulbs, because they've given all they're going to. For an extended blooming season, plant more bulbs every few weeks. And when they're this easy to plant, why not?

MOST SHOWY BLOOMS, MOST EXPENSIVE BULBS

The audacious amaryllis has delighted gardeners for years, with its stalks reaching nearly 2 feet in height, ending in an explosion of color - often three or four blooms to one stem. And the diva isn't even that demanding - no cold storage is required - just a pot, some soil, a sunny window, and some water. The resulting blooms can vary in color, from white with a yellow-green center ('Snow White') to red with white stripes and a picotee edge ('Pizzazz').

The one catch: It is the most expensive of all forcing bulbs. However, being the largest bulb, it is also the best bloom for your buck. A couple variations include miniatures that grow to 1-1/2 to 2 feet with an equal number of blossoms as its bigger siblings; the double-flowered amaryllis can be found in a variety of colors. Whichever variety you do choose, it takes approximately 5 to 8 weeks for blooms to appear.

Amaryllis Essentials

• Choose a large, firm bulb that is bruise- and blemish-free with a healthy root system.
  
  
• Gently untangle the roots before soaking them in a shallow pan of lukewarm water for 3 to 4 hours before planting.
  
  
• Select a pot that is twice as tall as the bulb to provide adequate space for proper root growth. Hold the bulb over the pot while filling it with a well-drained potting soil (3 parts peat, 3 parts coarse sand, 2 parts vermiculite, and 1 part charcoal). Two-thirds of the bulb should remain above the soil with space between the bulb and the pot all the way around.
  
  
• Pat down the soil around the bulb and water it without soaking the bulb. The pot can then be placed in a sunny window where temperatures hover around 70 to 75 degrees F. Do not water again until the bulb blooms or three weeks have passed - whichever comes first. After the amaryllis has bloomed, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
  
  
• Rotate the plant periodically to encourage straight stem growth.

If you want to store your bulb for a period before planting it, keep it in a well-ventilated spot at about 45 to 50 degrees F.

Unlike narcissus, you can re-bloom amaryllis bulbs. To do so, you must remove the stalks once the flowers have faded. Continue to water it, while beginning to fertilize the soil with standard houseplant fertilizer. Maintain this regimen all spring. Then, in late July, force the amaryllis into dormancy for 8 to 12 weeks by ceasing to water it and moving into a dark space for 6 to 8 weeks. Finally, in late September or early October, remove all the foliage and repot with new soil and water, and begin the forcing process all over again.

MOST UNLIKELY FORCING BULB

While you may have come up with narcissus or amaryllis when considering which bulb to plant, it probably never occurred to you to plant allium neopolitanum, or ornamental onion. Yes, we said onion. Also known as Naples garlic or Naples onion, they are cousins to the edible onions, garlic, chives, and shallots. The 'Grandiflorum' cultivar is a bit larger than the other species and blooms in early spring.

These bulbs actually produce a sweet-scented (not a strong onion odor), star-shaped white bloom with green eyes on a ball-like head. They grow 12 to 20 inches in height, prefer full sun, and are shunned by deer and rabbits, making them ideal for outdoor gardens as well as indoors. In fact, if you were to browse a flower market in Europe, you would find them right alongside traditional cut flowers.

To get these unusual fellows to bloom, pot the bulbs close together (nearly touching, but not quite), with the tops reaching ½-inch below the rim of the pot. Cover them with potting soil and water well. Like most bulbs, ornamental onions like a cold, dark place to start out; store them for 15 weeks in these conditions. After that, move them to a warm, sunny spot until the flowers appear. At this point, they will do best in indirect light.

The hardest part about growing these unconventional plants is waiting the 15 weeks while they ready themselves for sprouting. But your patience will pay off with a pretty, unexpected addition any garden.

There are other plants that lend themselves beautifully to forcing, such as tulips and lily-of-the-valley. Ask your garden center professional about all the potential additions to your winter garden. Spring has never felt closer.

For additional resources, try: http://houseandhome.msn.com/garden; www.marthastewart.com; or http://www.hgtv.com/.