LADYBUG SAYS...PLANT BULBS IN OCTOBER FOR WINTER BLOOMING

If one wants spring flowering bulbs to bloom in pots in the dull days of winter, October is the time to plant them. Hyacinths, crocus, tulip and daffodils are some flowering spring bulbs that may successfully be forced indoors.

One of the keys to successfully forcing bulbs is to buy only the best. It is important to choose varieties that are recommended for forcing.

Bulbs should have three basic qualities to insure blooming. First, look for firmness. Make sure they are plump and fairly hard with little or no feeling of squashiness when squeezed in your hand. Check the weight of the bulb. Most good bulbs are somewhat heavy. Next, the skin should be smooth, bright and free of injuries.

There are three types of pots commonly used for growing bulbs. They are standard, azalea and bulb pans. All three will do, but select clay ones as they will not topple as easily from the weight of the flowers.

To prevent disease problems, it is important that they pots are immaculately clean. When using older pots, disinfect them by soaking overnight in a one to nine solution of liquid chlorine bleach and water.

Potting mix for the bulbs does not have to be a rich one, since bulbs have their own supply of nutrients tucked inside. A mixture of one part soil, one part peat and one part of either perlite or vermiculite will be adequate, or you may want to use some regular house plant potting mix. The main function of the soil in bulb forcing is for anchoring, water absorption and root aeration.

Plant bulbs so their tops are level with tops of pots. For tulips, place the flat side of the bulb to the outside of the pot which will give the plant a fuller look.

Plant six to seven tulip bulbs to a six-inch pot. In all cases, have the pot well filled with bulbs for a showier display. Because of their size, crocus can handle more neighbors in their pots than larger bulbs such as tulips or daffodils.

Leave at least 3/4-inch between top of the pot and soil for watering. When placing the bulbs in their pots, press them lightly into place and close together but never touching. After planting the bulbs, stand them in pans of water for awhile so they are thoroughly soaked.

The most difficult part of forcing bulbs in homes today is to find a suitable place for the cool temperature treatment. There are several possibilities--a cold frame outdoors, a storage trench outdoors, a cool basement, an old refrigerator, unheated are of a basement, garage or garden shed. Temperatures need to be about 40-45, and not about 50 degrees. Most spring flowering bulbs will need about 8 weeks of cool, dark storage.

The next step is to expose the bulbs to a period of moderate warmth, about 65 degrees, with light but no direct sun. Be sure to water at this stage.

Hyacinths are probably the easiest of spring bulbs to force, such as Pink Pearl, Delft Blue, City of Harlem and Jan Bos. Early and Triumph tulips are possibly easiest to force, such as Apricot Beauty, Bing Crosby, Golden Melody and Merry Widow. Large Trumpet daffodils are most often used, such as Ice Follies, Mount Hood, and Dutch Masters. Miniatures are often used also, such as Peeping Tom and Tete-a-Tete.

By all means do not toss out the bulbs once the blooms have faded. Forced bulbs can be stored and then planted outside in the garden. When the foliage starts to yellow, reduce the amount of water until they are finally dried completely. When they weather is mild and the ground is workable, plant them outside.

Separate the bulbs when planting. It may take a year or so for them to bloom again, as they are said to go "blind" when forced, but give them time and they will reward you with blossoms in the garden in the spring.

Easiest to force are Paper White narcissus, or Soleil d'Or, from the Mediterranean area, so they do not require a long cooling period as other daffodils need.

Take a shallow container and fill it 2/3rds with pebbles or gravel. Place the bulbs about an inch apart and add water is that it barely touches the base of the bulb. Set the container in a cool, dark place for about two weeks for roots to develop. Then move to room temperature. Be sure to maintain the water level so roots constantly covered with water. Unlike the other bulbs which are forced, these bulbs are not hardy, so it is best to discard them when they are finished blooming.