Look around your house for a spot that’s sure to be cold throughout the winter—an unheated garage, patio or basement, for example. Old refrigerators can also work very well, but don’t store any fruits— especially apples—in the refrigerator with the bulbs, because the ethylene gas produced from the ripening fruit can cause the flowers to “blast,” or develop improperly. Frost-free refrigerators can make the plants dry out quickly, so pay special attention to bulbs in modern fridges and make sure they have enough water.

For the next several weeks it is vital that you keep the soil evenly moist and watch the temperatures, because it’s during this time that the bulbs are producing roots. Without an adequate root system your plant won’t develop properly and you’re likely to get poor-quality flowers. Fully developed roots may take between four to eight weeks to grow—be patient. Bulbs root best at temperatures around 45 to 48 degrees F. After a few weeks at this temperature, you may see roots by looking at the hole in the bottom of the pot. If the roots have grown down that far, it’s a good indication that the bulbs are well established.

Once well rooted, bulbs prefer an even lower temperature for shoot development—38 to 42 degrees F—the temperature range they experience outdoors. If your bulbs are in a controlled spot like a refrigerator or greenhouse, lower the temperature to within this range. In the northern tier of states, bulbs in an unheated garage or patio will also get enough cold. Your bulbs’ emerging leaves will be white because they lack chlorophyll, but they’ll green up when you bring them into the light. When the leaves of hyacinths, tulips and narcissus are 1 to 2 inches tall, or the sheaths of crocus and other minor bulbs are an inch tall, the plants are ready for forcing.

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