Forcing Paper Whites
If you are wanting
blooming Narcissus’ for Christmas
this is the week to plant them.
PaperWhites are easy to grow in your home this winter with sweet fragrant flowers you will enjoy for several weeks.
PaperWhites may be grow in a dish of pebbles. Select a shallow dish with no drain holes. Fill it half way with pebbles. Nestle the bulbs into the pebbles, pointed end up, and fill the rest of the dish with the remaining pebbles.
Then add water, keeping the water level just below the bottom of the bulbs.
When the sprouts begin to grow, put the dish in bright light and watch as the foliage and flowers emerge.
Remember to add water periodically, do not let the bulbs dry out. Cool temperatures keep the flowers fresher longer.
I love paperwhites, but HATE how they fall over! Do you have a trick for keeping them upright?? Thanks!
Nancy
Thanks for the tip.
I have just the planter for this!
I can’t get to town until next week,
I hope that’s not too late.
Hi Dawn! Oh, you’re just the smartest little one. I’ve never done this but now I know how! 🙂
I’m so glad you like my little tea towel. I made that a while back!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
I’ve never done this but it is something I’d like to try. So, tomorrow I’m off for finding paperwhites and/or narcissus. Thanks for the heads up. Have a great weekend.
I didn’t know you could grow them in gravel. Might have to try that one.
Brenda
I have been seeing these everywhere. I guess I need to go get some bulbs and pebbles.
I have never grown them but they are so cute and this looks like something I could do. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, your paperwhites are going to look beautiful in your white long container! What a pretty post!!!!
Those are going to be so pretty in your sweet white dishes!
My sister and I were just talking about paper whites yesterday. Great timely post.
Hugs,
Laura
I may have to see if I can find some bulbs, I would love to try this!
I love paper whites, too. I wish they lasted all year.
So pretty and different with the pebbles.
Good reminder – I need to go get some bulbs. I agree with the comment on hating how they fall over, however. Last year I ended up transferring one of them to a tall vase so I could enjoy it upright. The others were in a twine straight-jacket but still fell over.
Barb, I put twine around mine too. I think this year I may try and add chicken wire as they grow and see how that looks.
I saved mine from last year! I am going to attempt to force them now. Do you have any suggestions ? They look kind of dry!
Cynthia I keep mine in the freezer all year long and bring them out to thaw before planting. Im not sure if they haven’t went through the dormant stage (freezer) if they will bloom again.