How to Grow Paper White Bulbs
Fragrant white paperwhites are part of the Narcissus family, which also includes jonquils and daffodils. Paperwhites are popular for indoor growing because they bloom during the winter and they make an excellent plant for beginning gardeners because they're low-maintenance and easy to grow. Paperwhites store all the energy they need for a blooming season in their bulbs so they don't need to be planted in soil; instead you can place bulbs in nontraditional potting mediums. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Paperwhite bulbs
- Shallow pot or container
- Potting medium of your choice
Instructions
-
Indoors
-
1
Choose a pot or container about three to five inches deep and fill halfway with soil, stones, marbles or decorative glass pieces.
-
2
Place several bulbs close together on top of your potting medium and push down so that no more than half of the bulb is covered.
-
-
3
Add enough water to just touch the bottom of the bulbs.
-
4
Place the pots in a cool, dark area for one to two weeks, or until flowers begin to appear.
-
5
Move the pots to a warm, sunny spot and maintain a constant water level.
Outdoors
-
6
Plant paperwhite bulbs outside only if you live in zones eight to 10.
-
7
Plant the bulbs in fall in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
-
8
Place each bulb about three inches deep, allowing four or five bulbs per square foot.
-
9
Soak the soil and expect blooms in late winter or early spring.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Forced paperwhite bulbs won't re-bloom for a number of years so either throw them away when the season is over or plant them outdoors so they can store up energy for future seasons.
Get creative with indoor bulbs by planting them in a clear container and a colorful potting medium like small building blocks, buttons, beads or tiny toys.
Planted paperwhite bulbs make simple and beautiful holiday gifts; choose a high-quality glass container and holiday-colored glass stones for an attractive presentation.
Most potting mediums work well with paperwhite bulbs as long as they provide support but avoid anything metallic.
