Table of Contents
How do you plant paperwhite bulbs?
Grow paperwhites indoors in a shallow pot or bowl (3-4 inches deep) without drainage holes. Fill the pot with small, loose stones. Gently place upright paperwhite bulbs into the container, pressing them into the stones. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the bulbs.
How deep do you plant paper white bulbs?
Plant the bulbs about 6″ deep and 4″ apart. There are only a few areas in the country (S. California and parts of Texas) that have the hot, dry weather conditions that paperwhites require for long-term success. In other areas where paperwhites are hardy (zones 8-11), the bulbs are treated as annuals.
Can paperwhite bulbs be planted outdoors?
Like most bulbs that are forced for indoor flowers, paperwhites are usually tossed out after they finish blooming. In warm climates, where temperatures don’t go below 20°F, paperwhite bulbs can be planted outdoors in late fall and will bloom in late winter. Plant the bulbs about 6″ deep and 4″ apart.
Can you plant paperwhites in potting soil?
The pure white blooms of the paperwhite (Narcissus papyraceus) add an elegant touch to winter and spring indoor containers when grown in potting soil. Paperwhites grow as perennials in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, so you can move them outdoors after enjoying them inside.
How often should I water paperwhite bulbs?
Check the bulbs frequently and water thoroughly when the potting mix is dry 1″ below the surface (but not more than once a week until the bulbs begin active growth), or when the water level is more than 1″ below the stones or glass in your vase.
Do paperwhites come back every year?
Paperwhites are often found in homes, blooming with starry white flowers that help dispel the cobwebs of winter. Sometimes if you plant them outside in USDA zone 10, you may get another bloom the next year but usually paperwhite bulb reblooming will take up to three years.
Do paperwhites need full sun?
Paperwhites are fantastic indoor or outdoor plants that fancy well-drained soil but can also be grown in water and pebbles. Place them indoors near a bright, sunny window or outdoors in a spot that receives full sun.
Can I plant paperwhites outside in spring?
About Narcissus Paperwhite Bulbs Each stem produces four to eight flowers that are typically an inch wide and snowy white. The bulbs prefer warm temperatures of at least 70 F. If you buy bulbs in fall, they will need to be planted outside immediately and they produce flowers in spring.
How long does it take paperwhites to bloom?
Paperwhites will bloom about four to six weeks after planting, so plan accordingly if you want flowers for the holidays or other special occasions.
What do I do with paperwhite bulbs?
Paperwhites will tolerate summer watering, so you can simply leave the bulbs in place in your garden. Or, to be 100 percent sure that the bulbs won’t get too much water, dig the bulbs up after the foliage dies, wash them and let them dry out thoroughly for at least one week out of the sun.
Do paperwhites only bloom once?
Garden centers typically force paperwhite bulbs to bloom, so if the bulbs are already flowering when you buy them, they will not bloom again in the same year. With proper storage and care during the winter, however, your paperwhite bulbs will grow and flower again in two or three years.
Can you replant Paperwhite narcissus?
Paperwhites (Paperwhite narcissus) are members of the daffodil family but are unlike other daffodils. When paperwhite bulbs are forced, they cannot be reused or regrown; however, when planted in soil and allowed to grow and bloom on their timing, you can reuse or regrow paperwhites every year.
How much should I water my paperwhites in soil?
Add a couple of inches of soil or bulb compost. Plant the Paperwhite bulbs closely packed together with the pointed ends upwards and add more soil so that the tips are just showing. Water sparingly so that the soil is just moist, place the pot in a sunny spot and the Paperwhites will bloom in around 6 weeks.
How do you take care of a white paper plant?
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Paperwhites will bloom in about two to four weeks. Once the plants begin to bloom, the floral display typically lasts one to two weeks. For longest bloom, keep the soil moist and move the pot out of direct sun.
How do you take care of paperwhites in soil?
Water the bulbs thoroughly until the soil is soaked. Allow time for the soil to absorb enough water so it is thoroughly soaked, but not soggy. Place your pot in a sunny, warm location. Paperwhites are tropical bulbs and prefer temperatures around 70°F.
How do you plant paperwhite bulbs in gravel?
Planting Your Paperwhites Use gravel that is small enough for you to settle the bulbs in so they are supported. Bury ¾ of the bulbs into the pebbles with the pointed tip exposed. Plant them close to each other, just barley touching, using enough bulbs to fill most of the container.
When should I start my paperwhites for Christmas?
When to plant paperwhites for Christmas blooms The best time to plant your paperwhites for Christmas blooms would be 4-6 weeks before you want them at their best. If you want them blooming in early December for the start of the Christmas party season, plant in mid to late October.
How do you force a paperwhite bulb indoors?
Instructions Prepare a Container. Select a container that’s about 3 to 4 inches deep and does not have drainage holes. Position the Bulbs. Position the paperwhite bulbs with the pointed end up on top of the stone layer. Add Water. Root the Bulbs. Move the Pot Into Sunlight. Enjoy Your Blooms While They Last.
How do I stop my paperwhites from falling over?
Here are four ways to keep your paperwhites from falling over. Support Them With Sticks. The tried-and-true method for keeping paperwhites from falling over is to support them with a stick or with multiple sticks. Support Them With Ribbon. Support Them With A Tall Straight-Sided Vase. Stunt Their Growth With Booze.
Do paperwhites smell?
Paperwhite narcissus are the cilantro of the flower world. While some people can’t get enough of their heady fragrance, to others they smell like a cross between dirty socks and cat pee.
