In frost-free climates zones the bulbs may be planted outdoors in fall for late winter blooms. In colder climates, paperwhite bulbs are grown indoors for flowers during the winter months. The following instructions are for growing the bulbs indoors. Simply put the bulbs in a container, add water, and they'll be blooming in just 3 to 4 weeks.
If you plant a few bulbs each month you'll be able to enjoy fresh flowers all winter long. Paperwhites can be grown indoors from late fall through early spring. Bloom time is determined by planting time, so if you plant a few bulbs each month, you'll be able to have paperwhites in bloom all winter long.
A ventilated plastic bag will help to keep the bulbs from drying out. Paperwhites are sensitive to cold temperatures, so don't let the bulbs freeze. Paperwhites are usually grown without soil. Choose a shallow, watertight container and fill the bottom with two or three inches of small stones. Marble chips, polished stones, glass beads or washed gravel all work fine.
Avoid a southern window with the sun streaming in all afternoon. Remember to check the water daily if you've planted them on stones, and every other day if they're planted in soil. Paperwhites are notorious for flopping over once they reach their full height of about inches tall.
Another way to keep your paperwhites upright is giving them a shot of hard liquor. Stems will be at least one-third shorter but the flowers will stay the same size. Start the bulbs with plain water and after they begin to sprout leaves and stems, replace the water with the alcohol mixture. Theoretically, the alcohol reduces the amount of water the plants receive, stunting their growth.
Paperwhites will bloom for about 2 weeks. After that, snip off the faded flowers and either enjoy the green leaves as a houseplant for a few more weeks or drop the bulbs and leaves in the compost pile. These are not bulbs to keep around and try to get them to rebloom; it can take several years of pampering for that to happen.
There are a few different varieties that offer varying scents, colors, and sizes. Note that the newer paperwhite varieties often have softer fragrances if you find the standard ones too strong.
Some also have thicker stems so are less likely to flop. By Charlotte Germane Updated December 11, Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Save Pin FB More. Tall glass vases with decorative stones or pebbles at the bottom are a popular choice, as you can watch the roots, leaves, stems, and flowers grow!
When growing paperwhites in a vase or glass container, the most important thing is to ensure that the bulbs are not touching the water. If the bottom of the bulb is sitting in water it will more than likely cause the bulb to rot from lack of air and too much moisture. You will want a slim amount of air between the water and the bottom of your bulb when growing in decorative stone or vases.
If you are forcing paperwhites for indoor blooms, you will want to store the pots, vases or glass containers in a cool but not cold room, around 55 to 60 degrees for about 1 week. This cooler temperature helps to get the root growth started, which is important to healthy blooms. Once roots develop you may move the containers or vases to a warmer room, and place in a brightly lit location. Paperwhites that were grown for indoor forcing have used most of their energy to produce their fragrant indoor blooms.
Therefore, it may take up to 5 years for the bulbs to produce a bloom if they are re-planted. Most people who grow paperwhites for indoor blooms choose to discard the bulbs after they bloom, and will purchase again the following season. If you are planting the paperwhite bulbs outside in the garden, you will want to leave the leaves intact until they yellow and wither, and allow the bulbs to go dormant for summer.
Here are a few quick tips that will help you have the most success and enjoyment with your paperwhite bulbs. The drawback to Inbal is they do not perform well for indoor forcing and are best for planting outside in warm climates.
Ziva Paperwhites are the standard and best variety for indoor forcing, but can also be grown outdoors. To prevent your blooms and stems from flopping over, after the first week of planting you will want to give your paperwhite bulbs a mini cocktail. If you are going to try to give your paperwhites a little cocktail, be sure to use vodka that is not flavored, other types of alcohol like beer, wine or dark spirits will not work. There you have it, all you need to know to grow healthy and fragrant paperwhites in a pot, a vase or even outside.
While I do not enjoy their fragrance, their blooms are beautiful and sure to help get through those long winter months! If you try any of the above methods of growing, send us an email jenny bulbblog.
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