Things You'll Need:
- Compost or commercial soil
- Trowel or bulb planter
- Fertilizer
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Step 1
Amend your soil before planting, if necessary. Paperwhite bulbs prefer a well-drained soil. If your dirt is clay-based, work in compost and a bit of sand, with a shovel or pick. If this is not possible, make slight mounds, 2 to 3 inches high, with a commercial sand-based soil. Choose a sunny location.
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Step 2
Plant your paperwhite bulbs anytime between September and December. A chilling period is needed (provided through the winter), as many flower bulbs, before they can bloom the next spring.
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Step 3
Dig four to five holes in a square foot area, about 3 inches deep. The points of the bulbs should face upwards. If you can't tell which end is pointed, place the bulb in the hole sideways. It will work itself up in the right direction. Smooth soil over the bulbs.
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Step 4
Water the bulb planted area thoroughly. Unless you have a particularly dry fall and winter, you should not have to water the area again.
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Step 5
When the paperwhite blooms have died and fallen off, do not remove the greenery. This part of the flower is still producing food (with the sun's help) for the bulb, which will be used for next year's flowers. When it begins to turn yellow and brown, you may cut the stems and leaves off at ground level.
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Step 6
Fertilize the bulbs in the late fall with a water-soluble bulb fertilizer. Give the area a thorough watering. The fertilizer is not a requirement, but you will notice the extra nutrients supply you with a greater abundance of larger blooms that last longer the following year.
