How to Force Paperwhite Bulbs for the Holidays
Paperwhites are flowers in the narcissus family that are characterized by clusters of small, white, daffodil-like blooms. While paperwhites do not ordinarily bloom in the wintertime, they are commonly given as holiday gifts. In order to achieve flowering during the holidays, paperwhite bulbs must be "forced," or made to bloom out of season. This way, you can enjoy beautiful paperwhites year-round. You can force paperwhite bulbs by following a simple, step-by-step method. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Layer the container. Find a container that has a small hole in the bottom that will allow water to drain out of it properly. Pour gravel into the container, filling it about halfway up. Lay the bulb cluster onto the gravel, making sure that you are careful not to disturb the root system in the process. Pour more gravel into the container, this time covering the bulbs completely. Water the container, making sure that the water goes all the way through the container and exits the bottom. Keep the bulbs thoroughly watered so that they do not dry out.
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Maintain pH. The ideal pH of paperwhites is between six and seven, and maintaining this balance will ensure that the flowers will bloom quickly and heartily. Purchase a pH testing kit, which you can find at any supermarket or pet supply store in the aquarium section. Use the test kit to test the water of the paperwhites regularly. If the pH is not between six and seven, you may need to fertilize the water in order for the pH to return to its ideal number. Test the water every day until the pH reads normal, and then test the water every week.
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Maintain temperature. Although paperwhites will need to be forced indoors during the cool months of the year, they actually do prefer a cooler indoor temperature of around 60-65 degrees. Locate a cool area that is away from ovens or television sets, which can generate heat. Keep the plants is a cool, yet sunny location until it flowers. After you see flowers, transport the container of flowers to a cool location. When paperwhites are kept cool after flowering, they will maintain their flowers and hold onto their scent longer. Once the flowers are nearly matured, you can give the paperwhites away as gifts to family and friends.
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