How to Care for Narcissus in Rocks & Water

Paperwhite narcissus ready for forcing flood the market during the winter holidays.

Gardeners can force blooming on several narcissus varieties by placing the bulbs in a shallow bowl filled with rocks and water. Paperwhite narcissus is the most popular variety that responds well to this method, blooming even in the midst of winter, and adding both color and fragrance to the home. Clusters of fragrant white blooms appear atop a slender stalk creating a showy display that lasts for weeks. The bulbs need chilling for several weeks before being placed in water. You don't need to worry about this, however, because by mid-December, you can find kits readily available for sale, and they include prechilled bulbs nestled amid rocks in a shallow container. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Fill the bottom of the pot with water to cover the rocks, so that the water level rests at the bottom of the bulbs. Although portions of the rocks remain under water, their main purpose it to provide support for the growing plant.

2. Place the narcissus bulbs in a cool, dark area, with temperatures between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This encourages strong roots capable of supporting the flowering stalks. Check the bulbs often and refill the bottom of the pot with water to maintain contact with the bottom of the bulb.

3. Move the bulbs to a sunny location where temperatures remain between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit when the shoots reach a height of 3 to 4 inches. Shoots typically grow quickly and are ready within a week or two.

4. Remove the narcissus plants from direct sunlight once blooms begin to open to prolong the life of the flowers. At this point, the plant no longer needs sunlight, as its growth period has ended.

5. Refill the bottom of the pot with water as necessary to keep the flowers hydrated.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a plant stake in the pot to support the flower stalks if they become floppy. A wooden dowel or a plastic plant support will work well.

• Do not submerge the entire bulb in water, as this promotes rot. Water should touch the bottom of the bulb.

• The narcissus bulbs typically don't survive after blooming and should be discarded.

References

• North Carolina State University Extension: Home Forcing of Daffodils
• Iowa State University Extension: Forcing Amaryllis and Paperwhite Narcissus Indoors

Resources

• University of Missouri Extension: Forcing Bulbs for Indoor Bloom