Chilling flower bulbs Crocuses, hyacinths, and tulips (but not daffodils) need six weeks of temperatures below 45° to initiate flower formation. In the mildest parts of California and in low or intermediate Southwestern deserts, where it never gets cold enough, you can chill bulbs in the crisper of your refrigerator for six weeks before planting. Don’t put apples, avocados, stone fruits, or bananas in the same crisper: They emit ethylene gas, which kills the flower buds you’re trying to stimulate.
Sources: Find our top picks for fall bulb planting in nurseries or online from Brent and Becky’s Bulbs (877/661-2852).
More on planting bulbs: Cozy bulbs
The gentle art of forcing bulbs
The right bulbs
