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Anytime between September and December is the right time for planting paperwhites. Water the area after planting and then pretty much forget about the bulbs until spring. Check the area in April to May and you will start to see the green shoots of the foliage forcing their way through the soil.
When should you plant paperwhite bulbs?
Unlike their daffodil relatives, paperwhites won’t tolerate freezing temperatures, but they can be planted outdoors where winters are mild. Plant them in the fall as you would other spring-flowering bulbs. They look especially attractive in groups planted in containers or the garden.
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.
Can paperwhite bulbs be planted outside?
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.
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.
How long does it take for a paperwhite 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. For continuous bloom throughout the winter, plant bulbs every two weeks from late fall through February.
What to do with paperwhites after blooming?
Keep Them in Pots About six weeks after the paperwhite blooms, turn the pot on its side and store it somewhere where it will not freeze, such as a garage or basement. In the fall, turn the pot upright, place it in the sun, water the bulb thoroughly and continue watering until the paperwhite blooms again in the spring.
Can paperwhite bulbs be reused?
With the proper care, you can save and preserve paperwhite bulbs to bloom again. However, they do require time to replenish their energy stores, and may not re-bloom for two or three years. Paperwhites are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9.
Are paperwhites and narcissus the same?
Narcissus papyraceus (from papyrus and aceus; meaning paper-like), one of a few species known as paperwhite, is a perennial bulbous plant native to the Mediterranean region, from Greece to Portugal plus Morocco and Algeria. Paperwhites are part of the genus Narcissus which includes plants known as daffodils.
Can you plant paperwhites in gravel?
Paperwhite narcissi will grow in almost anything: just water, gravel, stones, bulb fibre or potting compost lightened with some grit. In gravel and water – put a layer of gravel in your container. Place the bulbs close to one another but not touching (pointy end up, roots down).
How do you plant paperwhite bulbs after they bloom?
Dig 4- to 5-inch holes for the bulbs in the prepared soil. Leave at least 6 inches between holes. Gently press paperwhite bulbs into the holes, taking care not to damage or detach the leaves. Sprinkle loose soil over the bulbs so they are covered with 4 inches of soil.
Do paperwhites like sun or shade?
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.
How do you plant paperwhite bulbs?
Fill a 7-10 cm (3-4″) deep bowl or other shallow container without drainage holes with crushed rock, pebbles, or other decorative stones. Pack your paperwhite bulbs into the container and push them down into the stones so the tips stay upright. Add water until it just covers the bottom of the bulbs.
How do you take care of paperwhite bulbs?
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.
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 do you store paperwhite bulbs for the next year?
Store the paper bag in a moderately cool and dry location. A standard interior room with temperatures between 60 F and 75 Fahrenheit is ideal for paperwhite storage. Store the paperwhite bulbs for three to four months in the bag. Remove the bulbs from the bag when you are ready to plant them.
How long do paperwhite bulbs last?
How Long Do Paperwhites Last? 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.
How do I get my paperwhites to rebloom?
Fertilize the bulbs again using a full-strength application of houseplant fertilizer. Allow the bulbs to develop stems and leaves. Paperwhite bulbs will not usually flower again in their second year. Repeat this process each year until blooming occurs.
How deep should paperwhites be planted?
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.
