Paperwhites are a smaller member of the Narcissus family and are very
easy to grow. The most popular way to grow them is to force them to bloom
indoors during the winter. Paperwhites don’t require a chilling period, so
forcing them is as easy as putting the bulbs in water and waiting.
Fill a
shallow bowl, pot, or container part way with stones, gravel, and even soil
works too. Set Paperwhite bulbs
onto the stones, pushing them down just far enough so the bulbs are supported in
an upright position. Put several of them together. Don't worry about
crowding.
Add
water just to the bottom of the bulb. (If the water covers too much of the
bulb, it can rot). Place the bulb in a cool, dark place for one to two weeks.
When the roots have begun to take hold, and the plant has sprung from the bulb,
take the pot out into a brightly lit room. In about four to six weeks your
Paperwhites will be in bloom!
Make
sure to plant them in succession, so you will have pots of Paperwhites blooming
all winter long!
If you
want to plant them outdoors, plant outdoors in the fall. Select a sunny spot,
although they will tolerate partial shade. The bulb stores all the food it
needs for next year's bloom. Adding a little fertilizer will help, and add
mulch around the bed to make it more attractive, and also to keep the weeds
down.
The
Daffodil
'Paperwhite Grand Soleil d'Or', '
Narcissi tazetta', is a fall planted bulb. You
can ward off winter blues by growing paperwhites indoors. Paperwhites are
exceptionally
fragrant flowers
that can be cultivated in pots or dishes containing either pebbles and water, or
soil.